Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
Despite coming from humble beginnings in the French second division, Arsenal centre back Laurent Koscielny deserves his place on this list based on his superb performances whilst partnering German international Per Mertesacker at the Emirates Stadium.
A defender who is as commanding as he is composed, Koscielny has flourished to the extent that he would walk into most teams across the globe and is one of Europe’s finest defenders.