Suspension to first-choice central-defender Philippe Mexes has provided Koscielny with a golden opportunity to show the world that he can perform at international level
Not so long ago Koscielny was playing in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899’s third tier for Tours. And on Saturday, the Arsenal defender will play against the reigning European and World champions Spain in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Laurent-Koscielny-c21742 has enjoyed a swift rise in his footballing career in a very short span of time. The France international joined Lorient in 2009 and then swapped Lorient for Arsenal in 2010 after spending just a single season in Ligue 1.
Philippe Mexes has been the first choice defender for Laurent Blanc in the Euros. However, two yellow cards in three games have resulted in the suspension of the AC Milan player. Koscielny will fill in for the defender and Laurent Blanc is expecting that
lack of game-time won’t affect the player’s performance.
The Arsenal defender revealed that he is in good shape and the pre-tournament friendly-game against Serbia, in which the player had featured, has helped him and there are no worries on player’s behalf.
"I feel good. I need to get a bit of rhythm, but I played (in the 2-0 friendly win) against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Serbia-c3002. There won't be any worries.”
The France international revealed his delight at the opportunity to play for his country against one of the best teams in the world. Playing against defending champions excites Koscielny and the player is really looking forward to that.
“There are all the ingredients for an unforgettable match. Lots of players dream of playing their first game at a EURO against the defending champions."
Laurent Koscielny received his first international call-up in February 2011 after string of excellent showings with Arsenal in the Premier League. The Frenchman made his debut in a 1-0 friendly win over http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/United-States-c3034 and the game against Spain will be his
fourth international game.
The 26-year-old is well aware of the magnitude of the game but is not worried and has vowed to repay the faith showed in him by the manager.
France will meet reigning European champions http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011 in their quarter-final tie on Saturday in Donetsk.
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