Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has expressed his delight at centre-back Laurent Koscielny’s recent form, likening the Frenchman to former Italy World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, when he first saw him playing at former club Lorient.
Wenger signed Koscielny from the Ligue 1 outfit five years ago for a sum of £9.7 million; a deal that years on is widely recognised as an excellent piece of business from the current league leader.
It is bemusing, looking back on events in 2010, that Gunners fans frowned upon the signing of Koscielny for what they believed to be a hefty fee for someone of such little prestige and experience. However, over 200 appearances later for the club, the France international has established himself as a key part of the Arsenal side looking to secure their first Premier League title since 2004.
Wenger, as reported by FourFourTwo, discussed how he discovered the Frenchman and what stood out.
I saw him first playing on TV for Lorient and straight away I was struck by his quality, focus, mobility and pace; he was a bit like Cannavaro.
Not too tall, but very mobile, read the game very well and had great interception qualities.
I was told by a friend of mine who was his coach a few years earlier that he was a quality player, so I kept an eye on him.
Wenger will be hoping that Koscielny will be able to keep the goals out for his side as they look to push on in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
Comments.
Loading comments…