Laurent Koscielny believes he is enjoying his best season since joining Arsenal in 2010.
The 30-year-old centre-back has missed just three league games this season and been a solid presence in a backline that has conceded just 22 goals in 25 matches, a tally only bettered by north London rivals Tottenham.
Recent weeks have seen Gabriel seemingly usurp Per Mertesacker for a starting role alongside Koscielny, but Wenger has not dropped the Frenchman in a league match since March of last year.
“I think I’m having my best season at Arsenal and I hope there’s more to come,” Koscielny told France Football.
“I’ve found fulfilment at 30-years-old. I feel more serene on the pitch, I manage the game better. I’ve gone a step further compared to my first five years in England. I’ve grown continuously to get where I am today.
“I always try to take positives from my mistakes. I’ve stopped being so reflective. I’ve also changed my game. I used to put the emphasis on anticipation, trying to dispossess attackers by stealing opposition passes. It put me in dangerous situations.”
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In the absence of Mertesacker and club captain Mikel Arteta it was Koscielny that led Arsenal out for Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth, the fourth time this season that he has worn the armband.
The importance of following in the footsteps of club legends such as Tony Adams and Thierry Henry has not been lost on the Frenchman.
On wearing the armband for last week’s game against Southampton he said: “I felt more pride. It was the first time in the league. I’d already had the armband in the Cup against Sunderland and then Burnley, but this honour doesn’t add more pressure.
“I believe every player has an important role to play in a team and he needs to fulfil it.
“However, this armband will remain something important in my career. Legends like Tony Adams or Thierry Henry wore it before me. That’s not nothing!”
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