Gunner lavishes praise at defender

Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie has no doubts that despite the impending return of vice-captain Thomas Vermaelen and the continued development of summer signing Per Mertesacker, Frenchman Laurent Koscielny can go on to become a cornerstone of the club's defense based on recent performances.

Koscielny himself was a major summer acquisition last year but due to limited top-flight experience in France, it took some time for the 26-year old to adapt to English football.

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