Laurent Koscielny, another gem found by Wenger (part 2)
Laurent is an intelligent centre back that cleans up loose balls. Koscielny is not the one to flinch away from a challenge. Despite getting bruised on more than one occasion when standing up to Kevin Davies in aerial duels, the French defender did not back
down and successfully won headers on many occasions against the physical striker.
Koscielny’s contribution was very vital in the victory of Arsenal against the very physical Bolton Wanderers.
Moreover, the 25 year old defender was also badly injured by the rigorous challenge of Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole, but bravely took the field for the second half. Joe Cole was red carded for that challenge on Koscielny.
Being only 5’8” tall, he showed the whole world that the art of defending is not dead. It is totally amazing to see how a player of small size is defending flawlessly in a very physical league.
Defenders from different clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea may have decided to resort to the tactics of past days when you intentionally set out to hurt your opponent but Koscielny is a revelation for Arsenal as he uses
intelligence and anticipation to do his defending.
Despite not having too much top flight experience, the 25-year-old was signed by Arsene Wenger this summer from the French side Lorient for eight million. Although, his debut did not go well, he received a red card in his first ever match of Barclays English
Premier League against Liverpool.
The 25-year old defender appears to improve by the minute. Although, it is early days for the French defender in the premiership and with time he will just get better and better.
However, after three matches, Laurent opened his scoring account, when he scored against Blackpool at home. Doubtlessly it was a landmark for a defender to score in such quick time. Laurent Koscielny became one of the youngest
defenders in the history of Arsenal to engrave his name on the score sheet.
Moreover, it is quite remarkable that the young French defender has featured in every single fixture of Arsenal whether it is being played in Barclays Premier League, Carling Cup or UEFA Champions League.
Undoubtedly, Laurent Koscielny will face strong competition from the experienced Thomas Vermaelen for a starting place alongside the impressive Sebastien Squillaci at the heart of defence. This competition between the two Frenchmen
will definitely increase the quality of the Gunners defence.
However, the ex-Lorient defender may have made a few very expensive errors against West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool. But Koscielny is also learning about how the game is played in Barclays English Premier League. He is at the
top of his class and heading for top marks.
However, it is still early days for making a judgement on the value of Laurent Koscielny to the Gunners, but based on these initial signs it sure looks like ‘The Professor’ has unearthed another gem for the Gunners.
Undoubtedly, Arsene Wenger is very famous for unearthing young talent and without a doubt Laurent Koscielny is one of them.
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