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Goal.com Talk Tactics: Laurent Koscielny's anticipation will help Arsenal tighten up at the back
Newest member of Gunners' defence could be their new organiser
14 Aug 2010 08:00:00
By Andy Brassell
A few eyebrows were raised when the normally frugal Arsene Wenger splashed out the best part of £9 million on a central defender whom most Arsenal fans had never even heard of. In fact, the Gunners' squad could probably empathise - when Laurent Koscielny turned up for his first day of training at London Colney many of the former Lorient player's new team-mates had no clue who he was.
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Yet Koscielny could turn out to be a key figure in Arsenal's Premier League challenge this season. Undoubtedly he must be classed as a major gamble, having played just one season of French top-flight football, but his new coach saw enough in his consistent performances last term to believe that the 24-year-old can swiftly make the step up.
It doesn't take a genius to work out that a series of defensive problems was one of the main factors to scupper Arsenal's title bid last season. They conceded more than a goal a game in 2009-10, letting in 41 in 38 Premier League encounters. More alarmingly, they conceded 10 in the four games against the two sides that finished above them, Manchester United and champions Chelsea.
Arsenal line-up v Chelsea (7/2/10)
It is often said that Wenger's main problem in defence is a lack of strength in depth, but even his first-choice back four proved it wasn't up to the mark in Arsenal's clashes with their direct rivals, in which four defeats counted them out of contention. The Gunners travelled to Stamford Bridge in February and weren't outclassed, but two strikes in the first 25 minutes from their nemesis Didier Drogba gave them an insurmountable task.
Thomas Vermaelen was seen as one of the successes of the season, with his popularity among fans buoyed by a useful seven Premier League goals. Yet this attack-minded centre-half can be impetuous. He has a tendency to be easily drawn to the ball, and to dive in - fatal against teams adept at counter-attacking, like Chelsea.
Drogba's second goal saw Vermaelen off balance and turned by the Ivorian, before the inevitable finish. William Gallas, a fine Premier League performer down the years but past his physical peak, no longer has the legs to cover, and if Gael Clichy is up the pitch on an overlap, Arsenal swiftly get into trouble. Gallas and Vermaelen also defend fairly high up the pitch, so are susceptible to long balls.
Possible Arsenal line-up for 2010-11 season
Koscielny can change this pattern. He is a footballing defender - obviously a trait which attracted Wenger to him - who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, bringing it forward. So he has a natural starting position further back than Gallas.
He is also quick, and senses danger quickly. His excellent anticipation is demonstrated by the fact he received just three yellow cards in 35 Ligue 1 appearances last season.
Arsenal are still a work in progress, and Koscielny will need time to adapt. Fortunately he comes from a culture of tough, physical football. If his natural qualities shine through, Wenger will have a more reliable base from which to build this season.
A few eyebrows were raised when the normally frugal Arsene Wenger splashed out the best part of £9 million on a central defender whom most Arsenal fans had never even heard of. In fact, the Gunners' squad could probably empathise - when Laurent Koscielny turned up for his first day of training at London Colney many of the former Lorient player's new team-mates had no clue who he was.
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Yet Koscielny could turn out to be a key figure in Arsenal's Premier League challenge this season. Undoubtedly he must be classed as a major gamble, having played just one season of French top-flight football, but his new coach saw enough in his consistent performances last term to believe that the 24-year-old can swiftly make the step up.
It doesn't take a genius to work out that a series of defensive problems was one of the main factors to scupper Arsenal's title bid last season. They conceded more than a goal a game in 2009-10, letting in 41 in 38 Premier League encounters. More alarmingly, they conceded 10 in the four games against the two sides that finished above them, Manchester United and champions Chelsea.
Arsenal line-up v Chelsea (7/2/10)It is often said that Wenger's main problem in defence is a lack of strength in depth, but even his first-choice back four proved it wasn't up to the mark in Arsenal's clashes with their direct rivals, in which four defeats counted them out of contention. The Gunners travelled to Stamford Bridge in February and weren't outclassed, but two strikes in the first 25 minutes from their nemesis Didier Drogba gave them an insurmountable task.
Thomas Vermaelen was seen as one of the successes of the season, with his popularity among fans buoyed by a useful seven Premier League goals. Yet this attack-minded centre-half can be impetuous. He has a tendency to be easily drawn to the ball, and to dive in - fatal against teams adept at counter-attacking, like Chelsea.
Drogba's second goal saw Vermaelen off balance and turned by the Ivorian, before the inevitable finish. William Gallas, a fine Premier League performer down the years but past his physical peak, no longer has the legs to cover, and if Gael Clichy is up the pitch on an overlap, Arsenal swiftly get into trouble. Gallas and Vermaelen also defend fairly high up the pitch, so are susceptible to long balls.
Possible Arsenal line-up for 2010-11 seasonKoscielny can change this pattern. He is a footballing defender - obviously a trait which attracted Wenger to him - who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, bringing it forward. So he has a natural starting position further back than Gallas.
He is also quick, and senses danger quickly. His excellent anticipation is demonstrated by the fact he received just three yellow cards in 35 Ligue 1 appearances last season.
Arsenal are still a work in progress, and Koscielny will need time to adapt. Fortunately he comes from a culture of tough, physical football. If his natural qualities shine through, Wenger will have a more reliable base from which to build this season.
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