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Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy backs new signing Laurent Koscielny to stiffen defence
Frenchman says centre-back will boost club...
4 Aug 2010 15:45:00
By Matt Monaghan
Gael Clichy has backed Laurent Koscielny to give Arsenal's defence the steel to provide the back bone for a Premier League title bid.
Koscielny, 24, arrived this summer from Lorient and is expected to partner Thomas Vermaelen at centre-back this season. The Frenchman enjoyed a fine home debut at the Emirates Cup last weekend and manager Arsene Wenger will hope he can build on that start in the weeks ahead.
Speaking to the Gunners' official website, Clichy backed his countryman to bolster the club's rearguard.
He said: "I think Laurent is going to be a good player for us.
"He is strong in the air and comfortable on the ball and that’s what we need. Also Johan can play there [at centre back], Alex Song can too and Havard Nordtveit. So we’re looking good – if the boss wants to add some players then he will but like I say we have a big squad and if we can all stay fit then we can do something."
Clichy added: "I’ve tried to do my bit and help the new guys settle in, that’s your job and it’s always easier to help being French-speaking, so I’ve done what I can.
"We’re all here to help each other and, as we always say, it is a family here."
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Koscielny, 24, arrived this summer from Lorient and is expected to partner Thomas Vermaelen at centre-back this season. The Frenchman enjoyed a fine home debut at the Emirates Cup last weekend and manager Arsene Wenger will hope he can build on that start in the weeks ahead.
Speaking to the Gunners' official website, Clichy backed his countryman to bolster the club's rearguard.
He said: "I think Laurent is going to be a good player for us.
"He is strong in the air and comfortable on the ball and that’s what we need. Also Johan can play there [at centre back], Alex Song can too and Havard Nordtveit. So we’re looking good – if the boss wants to add some players then he will but like I say we have a big squad and if we can all stay fit then we can do something."
Clichy added: "I’ve tried to do my bit and help the new guys settle in, that’s your job and it’s always easier to help being French-speaking, so I’ve done what I can.
"We’re all here to help each other and, as we always say, it is a family here."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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