#3 Laurent Koscielny
When Arsenal were playing Champions League football in 2008, 23-year-old Laurent Koscielny was kicking balls into stands Ligue 2 with Tours, a club in France. Little did he know then that Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger had eyes in those stands, watching his every move. When it became apparent that Wenger needed a new centre-back in 2010, Wenger turned to Koscielny, who had progressed to Ligue 1 with Lorient.
It hardly seemed an inspiring signing at the time, with many pundits mocking Arsene Wenger’s choice. They were made to eat their words, however, with Koscielny putting in solid performance after solid performance, as he cemented his place in Arsenal’s backline.
Over the years, Koscielny has matured into one of the finest centre-backs in the world, with great tactical nous, physical prowess, and pace to match the quickest of strikers around. He has been indispensable for Arsenal and has even gone on to be the club’s vice-captain. He has so far made 252 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals, winning 4 major trophies in that time. He has in his trophy collection, 2 FA Cups, and 2 Charity Shields.
Koscielny, being only 31 years old, still has a couple of years at the highest level left, given good management, and Arsene Wenger will certainly give Koscielny that.
