In a match which featured 5 Arsenal players, Kieran Gibbs earned his fourth England cap during Thursday’s 5-0 win over San Marino. He was impressive down the left, showing much attacking intent, albeit against a poor San Marino side. Some will say the Gibbs should have much more than four caps at this stage of his progress, but I think he has improved tenfold nonetheless.

Gibbs was always a solid defender, but has recently come into his own over the past few years. He grew in stature and ability once finally overcoming his injury struggles and I think Arsenal possess one of the best left backs in the league. It is a little known fact that Gibbs started his career in the centre of midfield, and only made the switch to left back while playing for Arsenal’s reserves. His speed and tactical astuteness saw him climb the ranks rapidly and has now taken the mantle from Clichy and Cole before him.

He is keeping Monreal out of the side as well (say what you want about Monreal, but he was arguably La Liga’s best a few seasons ago and has international pedigree with Spain) and that deserves some plaudits. He continues to get involved with the play going forward, overlapping and swinging in the crosses, which will only help add to his assist record so I’m looking forward to seeing Kieran continue to progress.

With Luke Shaw currently struggling for time at United, Gibbs’ opportunity is now to stake a firm claim for the England spot and if he continues to perform like he is now he should have nothing to worry about.

Gibbs is apart of our young English core and will be integral to the Arsenal core going forward and I am interested to see how he grows alongside his countrymen.

Click below to see Arsenal’s latest signing…