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Arsenal News: Who Should Partner Thomas Vermaelen in the Defence?

Callum D'SouzaSenior Writer IAugust 4, 2010

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31:  Thomas Vermaelen of Arsenal in action during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and AC Milan at Emirates Stadium on July 31, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

If Arsenal want to have any hope of breaking their five year drought, one thing is for certain their defence needs to be rock solid. Compared to the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, the Gunners boast a relatively frail defence and with Arsene Wenger allowing Philippe Senderos, William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre, who had  over a whopping 1600 Premier League caps between them, to depart this Summer. The Arsenal backline also lacks serious experience.

However one attribute the Arsenal back four do possess is potential and talent. Despite the low amount of stock, Wenger's does have a bunch of talented defenders especially on the flanks. But it is in the centre that is of most concern.

The Frenchman refused to resign the latter, all of which where centre halves, and has only managed to secure on defensive signing in Laurent Koscienly from Lorient. However the French defender has no previous Premier League experience and was playing in the French Ligue 2 two years ago.

Wenger currently has Thomas Vermaelen, Koscienly, Johan Djourou and Harvard Nordtveit in his central defensive ranks with the latter most likely to be utilized as a right back. Although Arsene Wenger has insisted another defender is on his way it is a somewhat inexperienced and weak defence to compare to the bigger, more competitive clubs.

Thomas Vermaelen will no doubt be the centre of attention in the Arsenal back four. After a sensational début season with Gunners last campaign, the Belgium captain is set to take up the leadership role in the back half as well as be the defiant left centre back.

This raises the question who would be best to partner the imposing Belgium international in the heart of the Arsenal defence?

1. Laurent Koscienly

The second Summer signing for Wenger, Koscienly is an assured defender who has performed strongly in the pre-season campaign, prompting compliments from Vermaelen himself.

Blessed with great strength and speed as well as strong awareness and a aggression, the 24 year old has all the credentials to become a world class defender and a huge part of the Arsenal line up.

However the Frenchman is not the biggest defender at 6ft1 yet he is bigger that Vermaelen who stands tall at 6ft. This will ensure Arsenal lack a great deal of height in their line up. But Koscienly strength and commitment in the air can easily make up for the missing height.

The former Lorient centre half currently looks the best option to partner Vermaelen and come to opening day of the season when the Gunners encounter Liverpool, Koscienly is likely to get the nod but will he be able to handle the pressure?

2. Johan Djourou 

After a solid 2008/2009, the Johan Djourou flower was about to blossom before a serious leg injury saw the Swiss hard man miss the whole of the 2009/2010 season bar the final game.

However the 23 year old is back to full fitness and has enjoyed an easy on the eye pre season, despite an injury scare. Djourou is a tough, strong defender, and currently the tallest man in the Arsenal defence and the second tallest in the Arsenal line up at 6ft4, only Nicklas Bendtner is taller at 6ft5.

The Swiss international has only just returned from English and may be a little too tender and fragile to be thrown straight into the fray of Premier League physicality. Djourou would ensure Arsenal have an imposing presence in the defence and would add better height to set pieces, defending and attacking.

If Djourou impresses early on with some assured performance than there is every chance he and Vermaelen will become the focal point of the Arsenal defence.

3.Harvard Nordtveit

Touted as one of the best young defensive prospects in Europe. Harvard Nordtveit has spent the last three seasons on loan in Spain, Norway and Germany. The Norwegian's most recent was a full season spell with German side FC Nurenberg last season. Whilst at the Frankenstadion , the 20 year old did make the odd error but on the whole impressed with his speed, versatility, maturity and strength.

This season Nordtveit is expect to be an integral part of the Arsenal cup side and also be utilized as a right back. But the former FK Haugesund defender has big raps on him from various coaches and by January the footballing world could see Nordtveit and Vermaelen partnering each other in the defence in a top of the table Arsenal side.

4. Alexandre Song

Although primarily a defensive midfielder, and a terrific one too, Song is no stranger to the defensive line having played there on a number of occasions. With young gun Emmanuel Frimpong impressing greatly during the pre-season fixtures, Wenger may opt to blood the teenager into the Premier League and switch Song to a defender.

The transition is not a wild or silly one and it could benefit Frimpong and the team greatly. Unlikely but one never knows in football.  

5. A New Signing

The Summer transfer window is no where near over and Wenger will be working vigorously to secure another defensive target. Per Mertesacker, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Emir Spahic have all been linked with a move to the Emirates and for once Wenger does boast sufficient money to spend. Only time will tell what will occur.

None the less the defence will need to ensure they perform if the Gunners are to stand any chance of being competitive this season.