Quiet Frenchman: Laurent Koscielny Evokes Huge Positivity for the Arsenal Future

Arsenal's season is a disappointment. There is no denying that 2010-11 was the campaign that the North London giants should have easily ended their long-standing, notorious five-season silverware absence, but they simply didn't have the internal composure or integrity.

Arsene Wenger's men have been extremely gallant, enduring injury havoc periods, some precarious refereeing decisions and heartache, but ultimately they failed to grasp the blistering opportunities that were presented for the Gunners to succeed.

But amid all demise and failure, numerous positives have emerged from the campaign that provide Wenger with stronger contention for success next season. Many, including the Frenchman, believed that this was the season his young squad, which Wenger had nurtured and developed for several years, saving Arsenal thousands, would come to fruition and take World Football by charge.

However, if anything, this season was merely another maturity transition for the young Gunners, whose hunger and calibre will no doubt intensify after this fracas. One positive that will undeniably keep increasing, particularly after this season is the presence of centre half Laurent Koscielny.

After the glory and excitement of the 2010 World Cup, much attention turned towards Wenger and what would occur in the Summer Transfer Window for the Gunners. Having just endured another disappointing season in which Arsenal never adequately threatened, critics and fans alike believed the French tactician was set to spend big and acquire quality talent.

The funds were evident and the desire and requirement was also strong, but ultimately Wenger refused to spend erratically, trusting in the growth of his squad. A goalkeeper and new defenders were on top of the Arsenal shopping list, but shockingly no keeper came and surprise centre halves were acquired.

The big money signing was little known Frenchman Laurent Koscielny, who arrived from French outfit Lorient FC for £10 million.

Two seasons ago Koscielny had been performing in the French second tier but a rapid rise ensured the defender would soon become a household name. It was not unknown for Wenger to purchase "no-name" defenders before developing them into defensive enforcers; Kolo Toure, Johan Djourou and Philippe Senderos were all worthy advocates and the previous season Thomas Vermaelen had arrived at the Emirates for a similar price before ending the season in the PFA Team of the Year.

It has certainly been another triumph for Wenger. After enduring a slow start to the season, the 25-year-old has become a commanding presence at the back, solidifying the Arsenal centre half role. Many forget that the Frenchman is still only in his first season at Arsenal and the brutal English Premier League.

Koscielny struggled to enforce his presence beside the also newly signed Sebastien Squillaci during the opening exchanges. For much of the first half the French duo were Wenger's only fully fit centre halves. Defensive leader Vermaelen has been absent since August, the month the season began, with a persistent ankle injury, whilst Johan Djourou had only just returned from a lengthy layoff with a severe knee injury.

However after gradually experiencing the dramatic increase in intensity football, the former Lorient FC defender became well equipped to cope at the highest level and once Djourou returned to peak fitness in December, the duo formed one of the best defensive partnerships in England.

From late December to the end of February, Arsenal found themselves in blistering form, winning 11 matches of their 17 encounters, in all competitions, failing to lose in the Premier League. Wenger's men's form saw Arsenal maintain second place and a thrillingly close presence on first place Manchester United, alongside defeating Barcelona 2-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League and reaching the Carling Cup Final.

The Carling Cup Final was the starting point in Arsenal's demise. Koscielny's mix up with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, which allowed Birmingham striker Ofabemi Martins score into an open net in the final stages of the match to give Alex McLiesh's men the Cup is not a happy moment for the Gunners or Koscielny.

However the conduct that the French centre half has shown since his error has been sublime and epitomizes the spirit that has been lacking in the Arsenal headquarters. It would have been so easy for the future France international to fall deep after such a notorious mix up but Koscielny endured the criticism in the quiet manner he often shows and continued to perform at a strong level.

The 6'1" defender has made 40 appearances in all competitions so far this season for Arsenal, one of the most in the Arsenal squad. Each have been at a high intensity and yet Koscielny has maintained sufficient fitness and mentality throughout the season alongside enduring taunts over his ability.

Koscielny has shown he is a tough, no-nonsense defender who is equally adept on both the ground and in the air. The Frenchman also boasts great composure and control when defending and on the ball and has proven to be a handy presence off set pieces with three goals highlighting his ability.

For £10 million, someone who was playing second division two seasons ago, this has been a remarkable season for Laurent Koscielny. His debut season will not only instill experience in the EPL and the UEFA Champions League, but develop him into a stronger player who can lead Arsenal in the future.

Arsenal's quiet man is destined for a loud future.