Video: Laurent Koscielny is ‘best defender in Premier League’ says Manchester United hero

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Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Arsenal man Laurent Koscielny is the best defender in the Premier League.

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Speaking to BT Sport, Ferdinand’s comments came after the Frenchman played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Olympiakos in Greece on Wednesday night, which helped them secure their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

While Olivier Giroud’s hat-trick will undoubtedly see him steal the headlines, Ferdinand was keen to point out how important Koscielny is to Arsenal and believes that there aren’t many that can rival him in the Premier League when he’s in his best form.

The Gunners will now wait to see who they have drawn in the round of 16 of the Champions League when the draw takes place on Monday, but naturally manager Arsene Wenger will have been delighted with the performance from his players to upset the odds and progress against their Greek rivals.

After growing into the game and taking their chances against Olympiakos, a steely defensive display prevented any late drama as the visitors kept an all-important clean sheet to ensure that their task was less complicated.

Despite Per Mertesacker being caught out at times, Koscielny remained alert and capable to cover his German defensive partner, as he has done on numerous occasions during their time together at the heart of the Arsenal backline.

Nevertheless, the pair certainly work well together and remain a formidable duo when in form, and so perhaps it is a fair assessment from Ferdinand to suggest that the Frenchman is the best in the business in his position with few matching his consistency.

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