The Unsung Hero

Koscielny: Improved or Always a Success

On 7th July 2010, Arsenal handed jersey number 6 to an unknown French footballer from Lorient. Typical Wenger, everyone said. Signing cheap, unknown and worse inexperienced players to play at the heart of the defence. Koscielny was of course sent off on his debut against Liverpool at the 94th minute. The end of Koscielny's debut season saw him voted as Arsene's most effective signing by the Arsenal fans it seemed Wenger had proven them wrong, once again or had he?

During his first season in 2010-2011, Koscielny was patnered by French compatriot Sebastian Squillaci or by Swiss international Johan Djourou. The rest of the defence had Sagna, Eboue and an injury prone, inexperienced Gibbs. The back four was protected by Alex Song then as well. He had what is rated as his best performance in an Arsenal shirt when Arsenal beat Barcelona 2-1. He also did score some vital goals that season but what he is remembered for is the error vs. Birmingham City that cost Arsenal the trophy. It was however only his first season and he was playing with a 19 year old goalkeeper. Not really the best of circumstances. Despite the list of relatively weak defenders and an inexperienced goalkeeper, he was voted Wenger's most important signing.

For most of 2011-2012, he was partnered by Vermaelen in defence. Sagna remained at right back for the most part, while there was one Andre Santos at left back. Per Mertesacker was also brought in during this season. This made the defence a bit better but lots of work still left to the Frenchman. He did do well still and sent Arsenal to the Champions League by scoring the winning goal vs. West Bromwich Albion on the final match-day. In 2012-2013, he scored the winning goal that again secured Arsenal's place in the Champion's league playoff.

Koscielny moved from a heavily criticized player to the hero in most matches. Brilliant tackler, pacy, fighter, ball player and great game reader, Koscielny has beared a lot of the weight of the crest since his arrival at Arsenal. He has played along some of the worst defenders in the world and no real cover at DM yet his brilliance could always be seen. Now he is playing alongside two of the best fullbacks in the world (Sagna and Gibbs) and a well settled Mertesacker. Mertesacker's intelligence and composure has been great for Koscielny and the best is yet to come.

Koscielny has always been a success and he is still improving. He was just unfortunate that he didn't play alongside experienced willing players. Koscielny will be the best defender in the league for ages.

AMAZING: Koscielny and Djourou did not concede a goal in January 2011...we all know who the reason for this is.

Did You Know: Koscielny was eligible to play for Poland but he picked France instead. If you didn't, now you do.

Quotes: "Koscielny reminds me a lot of Martin Keown. He's very tenacious. I hate labelling people because Martin Keown was one of the best we've ever had. But there are similarities there, the way Koscielny marks and his last-ditch tackles. He's tenacious in the tackle. [When it came to] that tight, one-to-one defending, there wasn't a better player that I've played with, [than Keown]. To put Koscielny in the same category is an enormous compliment I think." Tony Adams

The Arsenal is lucky to have Koscielny and he is lucky to have the Gunners.
  
Till next time...ATID