Laurent Koscielny believes he has made progress as a player this season after cementing his place in a hugely-successful partnership with Per Mertesacker.
The French defender endured a frustrating early part of the campaign, hindered by injury, but has shown his very best form in recent weeks and admits that he is feeling the benefits.
"I feel more confident and sense that I have more authority on the pitch"
"I think I have [progressed]", Koscielny told the official matchday programme. "I had injury problems in the early weeks - a calf problem in pre-season that it took me a while to come back from.
"But I think the experience of this season can help me in the coming years. I feel more confident and sense that I have more authority on the pitch these days. It is a good sign for the future."
That pairing with Mertesacker has proved especially fruitful in the Premier League - Arsenal have not lost this season when the two have teamed up. Koscielny cites communication as a major factor behind their, and the team's, recent successes.
"I’m happy with how our partnership is going," he said. "We talk and lot and communicate well, which is very important for centre backs. In fact, that’s an aspect I think we have improved a lot in as a team this season - we’re all talking more and it’s working better for us.
"As a defence, we’re lucky to have good strength in depth - Thomas Vermaelen has played and done well this season too, and it’s good to know that we have a lot of options. I’m enjoying my football at the moment, though, and feel confident when I go out onto the pitch."
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