Age: 24
Nationality: English
Position: Left Back
Squad no. 3
Height: 5ft 10
Interesting Fact: He was wrongly sent off against Chelsea in March 2014 when referee Andre Marriner accidentally mistook him for Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain.
In the early stages of his career Kieran Gibbs applied his trade in the center of midfield and out wide on the left but after coming to Arsenal he was quickly converted to a left back by Arsene Wenger. After flourishing in the youth team Gibbs signed his first professional contract in September 2007. After making his debut later in that year he was sent to Norwich the following season to learn the ropes. After returning to Arsenal he has continually improved under the wing of Clichy, whilst finally establishing himself as Arsenal’s first choice left back.He has made 90 appearances for Arsenal scoring one goal and has 3 England caps to his name.  Many comparisons have been drawn between him and Ashley Cole and many have touted him to emulate his success both for club and country.The English full back is part of the up and coming English core that is starting to emerge at Arsenal. With the likes of Welbeck and Chambers arriving and Walcott, Chamberlain, Wilshere already at the club Arsene Wenger is starting to build an English core at the heart of Arsenal.  Gibbs is well known for his attacking capabilities but has recently added a maturity to his game that will only keep developing as time progresses.
How much will he play?
There are two left backs currently at Arsenal, Gibbs and Nacho Monreal. When Monreal signed in 2013 he was supposedly on par with Jordi Alba of Barcelona, however after failing to adapt quickly to the Premier League Gibbs has established himself as the first choice left back. A fully fit Kieran Gibbs would start the majority of Premier League games and the important Champions League and Fa Cup fixtures. The problem facing Gibbs is the persistent injuries that have plagued him in recent seasons and may hamper his playing time this season. Last year he made 28 appearances in the league and I fully expect him to make even more this year.
How well will he do?
With the way Arsenal play the full backs have an integral role to play. Not only do they have to defend as in any team, but more emphasis is placed upon their ability to attack. Especially If Arsenal play a narrow midfield three behind the striker then the full backs have to provide the width for the team. Gibbs is continually improving. As he is getting older he is getting more mature in his performances and I feel that with his growing maturity will only lead to a more consistent level of performances. He will be looking to continue on the impressive defensive record against the smaller teams from last season, with a steadier defensive display needed against the bigger teams this term. Gibbs would have a plethora of caps internationally if not for a vast array of good left backs currently hovering around the England scene. I think that if Gibbs can stay fit this season then we are likely to see a lot of problems being created for other teams. Additionally if he can stay fit Arsenal will have a settled back four who have played together for a long time and will be less likely to concede as many goals.
Read: Report cards for the whole Arsenal squad
Pace: 9
Defending: 7
Crossing: 8
Passing: 8
Heading: 6
Stamina: 9
Current value: £14M
Potential value: £22M
Overall Ratings: 7/10