Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny is Premier League's best defender, says Rio Ferdinand

League's best: Koscielny ahead of Wednesday's Champions League win in Athens
Tom Dutton10 December 2015

Laurent Koscielny is the Premier League's best defender, according to former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand.

The 37-year-old, who himself was named in the top flight team of the season on six occasions, was talking to BT Sport after Arsenal's 3-0 victory against Olympiakos saw them through to the last-16 of the Champions League.

The Gunners knew victory by two goals or more would assure them of a place in the knockout stages and Koscielny's firm resistance in the first period ensured Wenger's men rode out an early storm before charging past their hosts in Athens.

"Laurent Koscielny, when he's on form, he's the best defender in the league for me,” Ferdinand said.

Olympiakos vs Arsenal - player ratings

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"He's one of those you don't want to play against – he's quick, he's aggressive."

But the former England international feels Arsene Wenger is short of defensive cover in his bid to end Arsenal's wait for the Premier League crown.

"I think they need some more cover in the central defensive area," Ferdinand added.

"They need a dominant central midfielder. It's not been the same since [Patrick] Vieira left."

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