Laurent Koscielny

Laurent Koscielny (born 10 September 1985) is a French former professional footballer who played as a centre back.

One month later in his competitive debut against Liverpool at Anfield, he was sent off in the 94th minute for a second bookable offence.

Both of his yellow cards were shown beyond 90 minutes.

The game ended in a 1–1 draw with both teams having debut players sent off.

Born in Tulle, Koscielny began his football career playing for a host of youth clubs before moving to Guingamp in 2003, where he quickly progressed through the youth ranks, making his professional debut the following season.

After becoming frustrated at being played out of position as a right back, he joined Tours for an undisclosed fee, quickly establishing himself as the team's star player in his desired position, ultimately aiding in the club's promotion into Ligue 1, while also being named in the Ligue 2 Team of the Season.

He began his career at Guingamp in 2004, a team that had produced such talents as Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda.

Three years later, Koscielny was forced to drop down to the French third tier.

He made 47 appearances for Guingamp, between 2004 and 2007, mostly as a right fullback.

In 2007, Koscielny joined Tours FC, deciding that he wanted a chance at centre back.

He showed remarkable improvement in aerial ability and positional awareness that limited him to just three yellow cards.

During the 2008–09 season, Koscielny made 34 Ligue 2 appearances, scoring 5 goals from defence, and was named in the division's best XI at the end of the season.

Koscielny continued his impressive performances following a €1.7 million transfer to fellow French outfit Lorient in 2009, receiving multiple plaudits for his performances, largely cultivating a reputation as a clever, agile, ball-playing defender.

His achievements and footballing potential attracted Arsenal, ultimately moving to the Premier League side for a fee of £8.45 million the following season.

Following his arrival in England, Koscielny was regarded as one of the best players in his position in the Premier League.

On 16 June 2009, newly promoted Ligue 1 side FC Lorient signed Koscielny on a four-year contract for around €1.7 million.

He established himself as a starter and played in his preferred centre-back position.

Over one season at the club, he scored 3 goals in 35 appearances.

On 7 March 2010 Koscielny tapped in his first Ligue 1 goal against Olympique Marseille at Stade Vélodrome in the 65th minute in a 1–1 draw.

Koscielny became a fan favourite when he scored his second goal with a header deep in injury time against Montpellier in a 2–2 draw after a cross from Olivier Monterrubio.

He scored another against Bordeaux after 11 minutes.

However, he received a red card 15 minutes later for a foul in the penalty area against his future Arsenal teammate Marouane Chamakh.

Koscielny helped Lorient to finish the campaign in 7th place; its best finish in Ligue 1.

An impressive season culminated in reports from French daily Ouest-France that the defender was training with the Arsenal reserves ahead of an official announcement.

On 6 July 2010, Koscielny agreed personal terms with Arsenal.

Arsenal's initial offer for Koscielny was believed to be in the region of £4 million, while they were then prepared to do a deal that would also involve youngster Francis Coquelin moving on loan in the opposite direction, which Lorient rejected.

During the summer transfer window of 2010 reports began to emerge in late June that a deal had been reached to bring Koscielny to Arsenal for a reported sum of £8.45 million.

Arsenal confirmed the signing on 7 July 2010 and Koscielny was handed the club's number 6 shirt, previously worn by Philippe Senderos, who had moved to Fulham earlier in the summer.

Wenger explained he bought Koscielny due to the fact he added height to the team and Arsenal were low on centre backs.

Koscielny made his debut against Barnet in a pre-season friendly in July 2010.

He scored his first goal for Arsenal on 11 September 2010, in a 4–1 win against Bolton Wanderers.

Koscielny made his debut in European competition on 15 September 2010, when he partnered Sébastien Squillaci in a 6–0 win over Braga at the Emirates Stadium.

Koscielny was praised for performances against Sunderland and made a brilliant tackle against Tottenham Hotspur to stop Aaron Lennon from scoring during their Football League Cup tie.

Despite qualifying to represent Poland, Koscielny instead decided to represent France, and first appeared up for the national team against Brazil in February 2011.

Koscielny became a regular starter for the nation in every major tournament that they have appeared in, including UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, while also leading France to the final of UEFA Euro 2016, which they lost to Portugal.

He had established himself as a core component in the Arsenal first team, as well as contributing with a host of individual performances, including aiding in ending the club's nine-year trophy drought, scoring a crucial equalizer en route to winning the FA Cup in 2014.

He was also crucial in further club successes that followed, winning another FA Cup and the FA Community Shield twice.

He scored his first international goal in a friendly match against Scotland in 2016, and amassed fifty-one appearances for the national side.

He retired from international football in 2018.

Koscielny was born in Tulle, Corrèze.