Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 8y

Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny undervalued in France - Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Laurent Koscielny has not received the recognition he deserves back home in France, but backed the centre-back to show he is one of the best in the world against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

Koscielny has been one of Arsenal's best players since returning late from his Euro 2016 campaign with France and is now also serving as the team's captain in place of the injured Per Mertesacker.

And with the 31-year-old Frenchman entering his seventh season with the Gunners, Wenger acknowledged ahead of the Champions League opener in Paris that Koscielny's importance to the team has grown.

"Yes he has taken on a new status. He has experience and he's got a lot of self-confidence," Wenger said. "He's always had a lot of talent, and that hasn't always necessarily been recognised -- just how good he is -- in France.

"First and foremost because he left from Lorient, he didn't leave from a big club, so perhaps he didn't have the reputation he deserved. He's really made his name in English football. But I think he's one of the best defenders in the world, yes I do. And I hope that he'll prove that to you [Tuesday] night."

Koscielny even scored with a spectacular overhead kick against Southampton on Saturday and has been cleared to play against PSG despite taking a big hit to the face on Saturday.

And his presence in the back four will be key for Arsenal, especially with his new partner Shkodran Mustafi still getting adjusted.

"He's all right," Wenger said. "He had a big knock on his face [after the Southampton game] but recovered quite well. I was concerned after the game that he wouldn't be available, but he's all right."

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