Arsenal Defensive Dilemma: Which Centre Half Should Partner Thomas Vemaelen?

The Arsenal backline received the most treatment during the summer, despite there being demanding emphasis on the goalkeeper role. Manager Arsene Wenger opted not to re-sign ageing defenders Sol Campbell, Mikael Silvestre, William Gallas, and Philippe Senderos, who boasted a large abundance of experience, especially in the Premier League with a combined tally of over 1,000 performances.

The Frenchman instead left the Arsenal defence somewhat frail and lacking in leadership, experience, and presence. However, Wenger did manage to secure the services of French duo Laurent Koscienly and Sebastien Squillaci before the summer transfer window terminated.

Koscienly arrived from French outfit Lorient FC for £8.45 million. The 25-year-old was relatively unknown to the footballing world, somewhat typical of Wenger. Just two seasons ago the Frenchman had been playing for FC Tours in the French Ligue 2, which epitomized his development.

Squillaci, a seasoned veteran, arrived from Spanish giants Seville £4.2 million on the final day of the transfer window. The 30-year-old appealed to Wenger with his experience and leadership abilities. The pair joined Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou, and Harvard Nordtveit, as the centre halves in the Arsenal defence.

Thomas Vermaelen only joined the Gunners last season from Dutch giants Ajax £10 million, but enjoyed a stellar debut season resulting in his selection in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. The Belgium is seen as the leader and main man of the Arsenal defence and fans believe the 24-year-old will be pivotal in Arsenal's potential success.

Unfortunately, the Belgium captain has sustained Achilles injury which has seen him miss Arsenal's last six encounters. It comes as no surprise to see Arsenal's recent falter in form, which has seen them with consecutive Premier League losses.

Thankfully for the Arsenal faithful, Vermaelen is set to return when the Premier League reunites after the international break. This raising the question who, out of the centre halves, is best suited to partner Vermaelen in the backline?

1. Laurent Koscienly

The new arrival has shown great promise despite a few shaky moments. Koscienly boasts solid strength and a fearless header along with great control and a superb slide tackle. It is evident the Frenchman is still adapting with the Arsenal and Premier League styles respectively, but as the former FC Lorient defender gains experience, his game should immensely strengthen.

Koscienly was given the arduous challenge of marking Chelsea's deadly striker Didier Drogba in Arsenal's 2-0 loss to the Premier League champions. The 25-year-old performed impressively and currently looks the best option to partner Vermaelen.

2. Sebastien Squillaci

The former Olympique Lyon defender experience and leadership have been highly beneficial for the Gunners, but Squillaci has been somewhat unimpressive in his opening exchanges. The super-fast pace of the Premier League has damaged the Frenchman's solid image, but similar to Koscienly, playing time will cure that conundrum.

The 30-year-old shows strong signs and a partnership with Vermaelen is foreseeable as both boast similar rugged, tenacious styles of defending. However, the French international is by no means young and his age could come back to hurt Arsenal.

3. Johan Djourou

The imposing Swiss was coming into promise following an impressive 2008-09 campaign; however, a horrible knee injury sustained in April 2009 saw the 23-year-old absent for the whole of the 2009-10 campaign barring the final game of the season.

However, Djourou is fit and although the former Birmingham loanee is still coming to terms with his fitness and reinserting himself to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, should return strongly. The Swiss international is blessed with a great height at 6'4" and stands out as Arsenal tallest defender.

Djourou also boast great strength and a fine head which will ensure Arsenal can become more dominating from set pieces, especially corners. However, it is unsure whether Djourou's long term injury will have long term effects thus resulting in consistent poor performances.

4. Håvard Nordtveit 

Touted as the next huge defensive prospect, the 20-year-old has spent the last three seasons enduring loan spells at UD Salamanca, Lillestrom, and German giants FC Nurenberg. Nordtveit was highly regarded in the Norwegian league and when joining Arsenal in 2007, was immediately given the role of reserves captain.

However, a leg injury has seen him absent for the opening months, which ensures fans are unsure where the Norwegian is seen in Wenger's books and whether the Frenchman will utilize him as a right back, central midfield, or defensive midfielder.