Is THIS Arsenal star the best in the league?

Some praise from the boss in midweek, as he stated his belief that Kieran Gibbs is currently the league’s best left back. Speaking at his press conference, Wenger said that Gibbs is the best the league has to offer and should feel confident of winning the England job ahead of Everton’s Leighton Baines. He went on to laud Gibbs’ growth and development over the years.

“He is consistent, determined – he has gained something in his stature, in his confidence. I like the way that he is more determined in fights, not just because he scored his goal, and more confident on the ball.” He said.

“He has all the attributes you want to have when you’re a left back – he’s quick, agile, has good technique and he’s intelligent as well. He has all you want to be a fantastic left back.”

Roberto Martinez received Wenger’s comments with bemusement, taking a page out of Fergie’s book.

“I think we need to be careful as managers. It’s like trying to speak about your wife compared to someone else’s wife,” he said.

“You have to be careful as you are not going to be truly honest, because you are not going to ­highlight the bad things your wife has.

“I think as managers you have to be careful as we are so biased.”

“You work with a player, you see him grow, you see him develop and then you see him coming out on the pitch and you feel so proud that you can’t see anything else. That’s normal.”

Is Gibbs the current best left back in England? Arsenal bias aside I would have to say he is. I don’t know why Martinez is going on about being honest, as Gibbs is a viable option for for best left back. It isn’t as if Wenger is basing his opinion solely from an Arsenal standpoint. Shaw has fallen off considerably, and Clyne has only just emerged recently (although I rate him).

That leaves just Baines left really to compete and I would give the nod to Gibbs for his pace and engine. It really is marginal between the two to be fair and it will be interesting to see them compete.

One thing for sure is that Gibbs is firmly in the conversation which maybe wasn’t the case a couple of years ago.

Gibbs is the natural successor to Ashley Cole and he is starting to show that with added productivity in the final third. I called for Gibbs to add to his assist tally in order to silence his doubters even more and I think he he is working towards that in every match.

We hope his injury isn’t too serious as that would be yet another massive blow both for Gibbs and Arsenal.