Vermaelen: He is the complete defender

Thomas Vermaelen has heaped praise on Arsenal's new defender Laurent Koscienly.

The French centre-back joined the Gunners from Lorient this summer, and has impressed his defensive partner Vermaelen.

The Belgian made an instant impact when he signed for Arsenal last summer from Ajax, and believes Koscienly has already shown glimpses of doing the same.

Speaking to Arsenal's Official Matchday Programme, Vermaelen said: "Laurent is tough, he's not so tall but goes for the close marking style.

"He's a clever player, quick over the ground, quick with his feet and looks to be the complete defender.

"I think we can work together well, he's right-footed and it's often better to play one left-footed and one right-footed defender together. That's the boss's choice."

Vermaelen added that Johan Djourou has also impressed in pre-season, and that Arsenal's current centre-back options should compliment each other well.

He said: "With Johan Djourou too we are three quite similar defenders - we all like to mark tightly. Johan is big of course, but myself and Laurent aren't as tall but we all look to play with our feet, and we are all quick.

"We are all quite similar so we should be able to work together well."

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