Kieran James Ricardo Gibbs joined Arsenal in 2004, after his former team Wimbledon disbanded. He made his professional debut in a 6-0 victory over Sheffield United in the League Cup, coincidentally.

People were looking to Kieran as Ashley Cole‘s replacement but until this season, he was never really picked, due to a certain money grabber, Gael Clichy.

Gibbs did make seven appearances last season, and from what I can remember, he didn’t do too bad. The Wimbledon born had even made his England debut.

Since Clichy left, Kieran has been in great form for the Gunners, both defensive and offensive. All seemed well until yet another performer in a Red & White shirt was to be struck by the curse of injuries.

Yep, but this time, it wasn’t your normal hamstring, or sprained ankle, it was a hernia in his lower back. This injury looked frightening as it rarely happens to the younger generation.

At first, it was expected that he’d be out for 5 weeks, but he didn’t play for the best part of 4 months.

But Kieran worked hard and overcome the fright and made his comeback in the 4-0 loss to AC Milan. Since then, he has been one of Arsenal’s brightest players since his return and has even formed a partnership with The Ox.

Although he’s not as prolific as Leighton Baines in front of goal, he did score his first Premier League goal for us in the 3-0 win against Aston Villa, a goal which he dedicated to his late grandfather.

As Kieran is still only 23, he still has at least 7 years in his favoured left back position. Some say he’s no Ashley Cole, yet some say he can be even better.

But who knows what’s in store for the youngster? If, and I say if, he can stay fit, he can be as successful with Arsenal as Ashley Cole once was, in my opinion.

My rating out of 10 for the left back: 7/10

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