“Mexès is an important loss, but they’ve
got that Arsenal boy, he’s very good,” A wryly Vincente Del Bosque replied when
asked how Philippe Mexès’ omission may help Spain achieve victory over France
ahead of their quarter final meeting. The ‘Arsenal boy’ Spain’s manager talks so
highly of is of course Laurent Koscielny.
It has certainly been an unforgettable few
years for Laurent Koscielny. In 2009 he was playing in the second tier of
French football. Fast-forward three years and he is starting for his country in
the European Championships against the World Cup holders. Credible performances
for Arsenal against Barcelona, Tottenham and Chelsea persuaded Laurent Blanc to
include the 26 year old in his France squad for Euro 2012.
Arsenal were first alerted about the
promising young French defender in 2008, when scouts watched him play for Tours
in Ligue 2. Although the reports were positive, stating that the young
Koscielny showed potential and great reading of the game, Wenger believed the
step from Ligue 2 to Champions League football was too big so decided to
continue to monitor the defenders development in France.
In 2009 Koscielny signed for Ligue 1 side
Lorient. His first season in France’s top division was hugely successful as he
helped guide Lorient to seventh, their highest ever league position. It was at
this point that Wenger believed Koscielny was ready for the move to London and
paid a reported £8.45million for him.
"I don't believe any French player
would have refused to come and play for Arsenal. It took me four years to go
from the bench of Ligue 2 to Arsenal so it is a great achievement.” A proud
Koscielny said on his arrival.
Perhaps too eager on his Premier League
debut against Liverpool, the defender was sent off after receiving a second
yellow card. This was not the introduction Arsenal fans had wanted from their
unknown acquisition from across the channel. Mutterings of “Pascal Cygan” could
be heard from the home crowd as the worrying began.
It was on February 16th, in a
Champions League night at the Emirates that Koscienly showed just why Wenger
had invested so much money in him. Barcelona had just rolled into London with a
daunting swagger and confidence surrounding them. If Koscielny hadn’t been able
to cope with David N’Gog then how would he fare against Lionel Messi and co?
On an unforgettable night, Koscielny gave
his best performance in Arsenal colour’s to date as the home side claimed a historic
2-1 win.
After a shaky start to his career in
London, Koscielny has proved that he is made for English football with a series
of commanding performances, becoming one of the best defenders in Europe. The
man from Tulle has grown in stature, adding maturity to his game. He boasts
exceptional technical ability and reads the game as good as anyone. Now a first
team regular alongside Thomas Vermaelen, the pair have demonstrated great
consistency and understanding of one another.
So has the 26 year olds footballing career
reached its climax?
“I have been on the crest of a wave for the
last few years. But it is just the beginning; I haven't proved anything yet.”
No, according to Koscielny.
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