Laurent Koscielny has arguably been one of the most improved players in the Premier League over the last few years and has become a vital player for Arsenal.

The centre back is one of the first names on the team sheet and when he is not in the side Arsenal look weaker at the back. If Arsenal are going to challenge for the title and get far in the Champions League then the French international has to stay fit and on form otherwise they will struggle to make as much of an impact, especially against the bigger teams.

Koscielny began his career at French side Guingamp and made his debut in 2004, at the time he was seen as a right back and this is where he played most of his games. Over the next three years he played 46 times before joining Tours FC in 2007.

His move was partially motivated by the fact that he saw himself as a centre back and wanted to be played in that position. His positioning and aerial ability improved a lot while at the club and he had a fantastic 2008-09 season, making 34 appearances in the French Ligue 2 and was named in the division’s best 11. He also scored five times throughout the campaign.

After 67 league games he joined newly promoted to Ligue 1 FC Lorient on the 16th June 2009. He quickly became a fan favourite and in his first season he played 35 times and scored three goals, helping them to a seventh place finish. Despite only being there for one season he was being heavily linked with a move away from the club and they agreed a deal with Arsenal on the 7th July 2010.

He did not get off to the best start as he was sent off on his Premier League debut against Liverpool but when he returned he looked more composed and scored his first goal against Bolton Wanderers on the 11th September 2010. A few days later he made his Champions League debut in a 6-0 win over Braga. He was sent off for the second time in his short Arsenal career against Newcastle United in a 1-0 loss. His season was definitely up and down as he went from producing a man of the match performance against Barcelona to making a mistake in the final minute of the League Cup final which cost them the game against Birmingham City.

The 2011-12 season also started off badly as he was part of the team that got destroyed by Manchester United at Old Trafford 8-2 and then scored an own goal in a 4-3 defeat to Blackburn Rovers. But by the end of the season he had turned his form around and was voted the club’s fourth most important player and was rewarded with a new contract. The following season he remained very consistent and came runner up in the Player of the Year vote.

Arsenal started the 2013-14 terribly and Koscielny had an awful start as he gave away a penalty and was sent off on the opening day defeat against Aston Villa. However, at the midpoint of the season Arsenal were top of the table and alongside Per Mertesacker, Koscielny was part of the joint best defensive record. They unfortunately could not keep their place at the top of the table but they did manage to win the FA Cup, with the defender scoring the equaliser against Hull City at Wembley.

Koscielny already has one goal to his name this season as he scored in the opening day win over Crystal Palace.

The final word can go to Arsene Wenger. “We identified him as a very strong centre half. He has shown he is mentally strong, he’s a fighter and a very strong competitor. Koscielny is a great addition to our squad.”