Kompany vs Koscielny : Who is the best CB in the Premier League?

When you hear the name, Vincent Kompany, what springs to mind? Rock solid centre back, fearless leader and the spine of Mansour City. Right?

Now, when you hear the name, Laurent Koscielny, what springs to mind? Lightweight, clumsy and prone to catastrophic errors of judgement. Nowhere near Kompany's ability. Right? Well if you've actually paid attention to his performances this season, you'd be very, very surprised.

Koscielny has had a season to remember for Arsenal. Alongside Thomas Vermaelen, they form one of the toughest CB pairings in Europe.
Kompany has had an OK season, I guess. Leading Mansour City to their first major trophy in 44 years, seeing off rivals Manchester United to lead the charge to the league title, and keeping the league's best defensive record in the process with partner Joleon Lescott.

Stats

Tackles-Fouls% Ratio

Koscielny has made 85 tackles, with 33 being fouls. 39%

Kompany has made 65 tackles, with 30 being called as fouls. 46%

1-0 Koscielny

Did you know?


Liverpool's Martin Skrtel made 57 tackles throughout the 2011/2012 season, and 42 of them were fouls. According to the papers (and Liverpool fans), Martin is being chased by Real Madrid.

Interceptions

Koscielny has made 91 interceptions.

Kompany has made 73 interceptions.

2-0 Koscielny

Did you know?


Stilyan Petrov has made the highest average interceptions per game, with 3.6 interceptions a game.

Dribbled by another player


Koscielny has been passed 13 times.

Kompany has been passed 8 times.

2-1 Koscielny remains in the lead

Did you know?


England and Chelsea stalwart, John Terry, has been passed 17 times.

Offsides Won


Koscielny has won 51 offsides, the highest in the Premier League.

Kompany, a mere 18 offsides won.

What was that about Koscielny's 'terrible' positioning?

3-1 Koscielny

Did you know?


Relegated Centre Back for Bolton, David Wheater, has the 3rd highest average offsides won per game with 1.5.

Blocked Shots


Koscielny has blocked 18 shots.

Kompany has blocked 26 shots.

3-2 Koscielny

Did you know?

The lowest number for a centre back is Marc Wilson of Stoke, with only 7 shots being blocked.

Turnovers


Koscielny has given away possession 15 times.

Kompany has given away possession 6 times.

3-3 Kompany has pulled level

Did you know?


Emmanuel Adebayor has given away possession 115 times, the highest in the Premier League.

Aerials Won


Koscielny has won 62 aerial duels out of the 101, with an average of 1.9 per game.

Kompany has won 30 aerial duels out of the 42, with an average of 1 per game.

4-4 Unsure on this one.


Did you know?


Emile Heskey won 88 aerial duels out of the 152 he challenged, with an average of 3.1 per game.


So, we have a draw. Laurent Koscielny is AS good as Vincent Kompany.

Under 23 XI : One's to watch

GK :

Wojiech Szczesny

What about De Gea? Neuer? De Gea has been shaky all season and only sprung to life in the second half. Neuer is 26. Wojciech has been one of Arsenal's most consistent players all season, his vital saves have secured Champions League for another year.


RB :


Kyle Walker

Finally, England have a marauding full back who can defend decently as well. His 33% Tackle to Foul ratio is a bit worrying, but hey, he's got plenty of time to adapt his game.


LB :


Jordi Alba

Set to make a move to Barcelona to replace the departed Eric Abidal, if you thought Walker was amazing, just wait until you get a load of Jordi. The Spanish Dani Alves.


CB :


Mats Hummels

Step aside Pique, it's Hummels' time to shine. This player may just be the best centre back Germany have ever produced. I'm very surprised at the fact that Barcelona haven't made a move for this man. 20% Tackles-Foul ratio and 80% pass success out of over 2000 passes, which is excellent for a centre back.


CB :


Phil Jones

"Phil Jones?!? Newcastle own goal? What are you on about?"


This is the English fan's biggest problem. Once they see a mistake they see the player as 'awful' or 'useless'. I get fans saying that Koscielny is worse than John Terry. Because of that one mistake against Birmingham, he is now billed as 'clueless'. Phil Jones WILL be an England star in the future.


CDM :


Jack Wilshere

If Wilshere hadn't been out for the whole season, securing 3rd place would be much more straight forward. I honestly haven't seen a player like him ever. A player who can fulfill the regista and trequartista roles with ease, can split defences as well as apply a strong tackle to break up an attack and can leave defences in dazes with his dribbling ability. If you mix Fabregas and Scott Parker with a pinch of Mesut Ozil, then there you have it, Jack Wilshere.


CDM :


Yann M'Vila

A player I have watched for a long time, I believe that Yann can and most likely will become France's new midfield General, eclipsing the feats of the old, Claude Makelele and Patrick Vieira. No really, he's that good. The statistic that really hit me was his Interception rate, 94 interceptions in the 2011/2012 season, compare that to Song's 66 and Arteta's 55, and you can envision the type of player we are dealing with.


RW :


Eden Hazard

There's a reason why the European giants are trying to outbid each other for this player : Because he's so damn good. Had Arsene Wenger stumped the £26 million bid needed for him to come to the Emirates last summer, Premier League right backs would have been scarred by his mind blowing agility and rapid footwork.


CAM :


Christian Eriksen

However, I would like to have Eriksen on my team rather than Eden. 21 assists for any player is outstanding, doing it at the age of 20 is phenomenal. England got a taste of what he can do as Eriksen delivered a MOTM performance for Denmark as an 18 year old. The New Michael Laudrup/Johan Cruyff.


LW :


Mario Gotze

Franz Beckenbauer said that 'Gotze plays the same way Messi does' and might be 'the best German talent in history'. He's right, very right. An injury hit season has limited Gotze to 14 games, where he scored 6 times and assisted 5. Playing 33 games, Thomas Muller managed 7 goals and 7 assists, and we all know how good he is. One can only imagine a fully fit Gotze playing his second full season to lead Dortmund to the Bundesliga title.


ST :


Neymar

We've all heard about players being 'The New..' or 'The Next...'. But Neymar might just fit his title of 'The New Ronaldo'. The German national team couldn't handle him when Brazil visited Stuttgart. He bagged a goal and constantly frustrated the German backline. With Real Madrid and Barcelona chasing his services, Neymar is going to go far.

Top 25 Potential Transfers in the Summer Window

Eden Hazard

The young Belgian has had a season to remember for his side, LOSC Lille. 20 goals and 16 assists, coupled with the Player of the Year award, has made him the most wanted player in Europe.

Who's after him : Arsenal, Chel$ea, Manchester United, Mansour City, Tottenham, Real Madrid, PSG

Neymar

Dubbed ' The New Pele', Neymar has dazzling the Santos fans with his sublime technique and skill. But like all good players, there comes a time where they have to wave goodbye to their loyal supporters in search of a new beginning.

Who's after him : Barcelona, Real Madrid

Lucas Moura

Another exciting prospect from the South American country, his technique is closely related to that of a certain Andres Iniesta. Speed, Close Control, and a blistering shot. Whoever signs him up now, will reap the rewards in future.

Who's after him : Real Madrid

Christian Eriksen

8 goals and , wait for it, 21 assists has made the young Dane a target for many top sides. Imagine a younger Mesut Ozil and you've got Eriksen.

Who's after him : Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid

Yann M'Vila

Unless Chelsea sabotage Arsenal once again for the French powerhouse, this player will lead Arsenal and France to future glory. A serious replacement for Patrick Vieira.

Who's after him : Arsenal

Edinson Cavani

Chelsea have lost a legend in Didier Drogba. A powerful presence that has tormented Premier League back-lines for the past eight years. So who better to replace him than the striker who tormented Chelsea this season. Fast, strong, and a deadly finisher.

Who's after him : Chelsea, Manchester City

Hulk

He really lives up to his billing. Not only a rapid attacker, but is as strong as a bull, and packed with mind blowing skill. Kieran Gibbs should be praying for him not to come to the Premier League.

Who's after him : Chelsea, Manchester City

Shinji Kagawa

Manchester United may have missed the boat with Samir Nasri last year, but Shinji Kagawa should wipe those tears away. 17 goals and 13 assists in the Bundesliga last season, his £16.7 million valuation should bring tears of joy to the Manchester United faithful.

Who's after him : Manchester United

Javi Martinez

The versatile defender-cum-midfielder led Athletic Bilbao to the Europa League final with his elegant and faultless performances. Spain might not need Puyol fit after all.

Who's after him : Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona

Luis Suarez

Liverpool, drastically, missing out on Champions League football for the third year running will surely frustrate the tricky Uruguayan. His race row with Patrice Evra might also convince him to move overseas.

Who's after him : Inter Milan, Juventus, PSG

Robin Van Persie

The name on everyone's lips. Will he sign on? Where will he go? With the Dutchman yet to pen a new deal with the Gunners, it is looking more likely than ever that the Premier League's star performer will leave his beloved (club).

Who's after him : Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester City

Falcao

After only one season spent playing in La Liga, the Colombian show-stopper is already being sought after another fruitful season. How fruitful? 36 goals.

Who's after him : Chelsea

Gareth Bale & Luka Modric

After Spurs were painfully denied Champions League football, the duo might seek top European action elsewhere.

Who's after them : Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Chelsea

Wesley Sneijder

After a torturous season with Inter Milan, Sneijder will probably look overseas for a renewed season at the top level.

Who's after him : Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City

Younes Belhanda

" He's a player I like a lot"
- Arsene Wenger

When a manager who went 49 consecutive games without defeat in the world's most demanding league says that about a player, you know he's a very special talent.

Who's after him : Arsenal

Olivier Giroud

Easily comparable to Chelsea's recently departed Didier Drogba. Giroud topped the Ligue 1 scoring charts, hitting 21 goals as the underdogs, Montpellier, beating off tough opposition to lift the league title. To put this into perspective, imagine last season's Bolton winning the Premier League. And David N'gog topping the goal chart.

Who's after him : Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG

Fernando Llorente

His powerful performances spearheaded Athletic Bilbao to the Europa League final, terrorising Manchester United's back four. Set to lead Spain's front-line in Euro 2012.


Who's after him : Manchester United, Tottenham, Barcelona

Iker Munain

The 'Basque Messi's eccentric skill and lightning agility helped his club, Athletic Bilbao, to European stardom.

Who's after him : Manchester United, Barcelona

Roberto Soldado

52 goals in 95 games for Valencia has enhanced his reputation as a steel nerved finisher. If Spain need a goalscorer, they need not look further than Roberto.

Who's after him : Chelsea, Malaga, Liverpool, Tottenham

Demba Ba

Undoubtedly, the best signing of the season in the first half, has drastically dropped in form in the second half, but still a proven goal threat. A release clause in his contract at Newcastle could interest many top sides.

Who's after him : Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham

Gylfi Sigurdsson

The Icelandic midfielder impressed while on loan at Swansea, and that's been the problem for the Welsh side as he has developed so well that they cannot afford to sign him on a permanent basis. Could remain at his parent club, Hoffenheim, or seek success elsewhere.

Who's after him : Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Tottenham


Thiago Silva

Likened to Manchester United stalwart, Rio Ferdinand. With AC Milan ending the season trophy less, Thiago might be looking to move on.

Who's after him : Barcelona, Manchester United, Real Madrid

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The experienced Swede might also look elsewhere for a new start. It's certain he has no shortage of suitors.

Who's after him : Manchester City, Real Madrid, Chelsea

Kaka

At 30 years years of age, you'd think that he's past his best. Nonsense. Sure Mesut Ozil has trumped him to the Central Midfield role at Real Madrid, but the Brazilian still has the talent to bamboozle defences even at his age.

Who's after him : Arsenal, Malaga, AC Milan, PSG

Gonzalo Higuain

The Argentine has enjoyed another productive season with the Spanish champions, Real Madrid, but constantly being benched for Karim Benzema could lead to his departure.

Who's after him : Juventus, Manchester City, AC Milan, PSG