Arsenal’s dream spine come February

Laurent Koscielny

It took Laurent Koscielny a bit of time to adapt to the physicality of the English game, but he’s now one of the best centre-backs in the division.

The French international moved from Lorient in 2010 and, although he struggled at times in the first few years at the Emirates, he has developed into a fine centre-half who is defensively sound and authoritative at the back.

The 31-year-old does have an error in him but, unlike his early years in England, they are not as frequent now and less significant, as he mingles those in with several goal-saving clearances and challenges.

Koscielny is the bedrock of the Arsenal backline, and probably will be for a while yet.