Arsenal’s ideal XI following the January window

Laurent Koscielny

He’s been the bedrock of the Arsenal backline for many a year, but it hasn’t always been plain sailing for French international Laurent Koscielny at the Emirates.

The 31-year-old was sent off on his competitive debut against Liverpool back in August 2010, and that was sign of his struggles to come that season.

However, Koscielny eventually adapted to the English game, and ever since has been an excellent defender for Arsenal who, although is still prone to the odd mistake, is the senior figure in that back four, and continues to lead by example.

He won 17 caps for France last year to suggest that, not only is he doing well for Arsenal, but that’s he’s actually getting better with age to the point that he is one of his country’s key defenders.