Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger sings Laurent Koscielny’s praises

Arsene Wenger has described Laurent Koscielny as one of the best defenders in the Premier League ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The France centre-half has been one of the Gunners’ standout performers this term alongside Per Mertesacker in the heart of the north London side’s defence.

He is good on ball but he has improved a lot in that he now has better control of himself

Arsene Wenger

Koscielny and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny’s mix-up in the League Cup final back in 2011 allowed Obafemi Martins to score a last-minute winner for Birmingham City.

And Wenger feels that the defender has improved significantly since that high-profile error.

“Koscielny is one of the best in Premier League, without any hesitation,” Wenger said. “He has combination of qualities. Good reading of game, good anticipation, great commitment, great speed and [he is] quick on the turn.

“He is good on ball but he has improved a lot in that he now has better control of himself. He is more serene and calm, one of the very best for sure.

“He had a tough spell after [the League Cup final] and last year I took him out of the team for a while. That’s where I give him great credit because he came back in convincing way and took being left out in a positive way.

“I was thinking about that situation this week. Since that incident in the League Cup final, Koscielny and Szczesny are two of the most improved players. You questioned them but this shows you have to be open-minded.”