Player Ratings 2013/14 - Part Two: Defenders

Kieran GIBBS (LB) - 28

24 years old - 34+7 apps / 1 goal (CL) / 4 assists (1 PL / 1 CL / 2 FA Cup)

One of the best products of our youth system, Gibbs has been our first choice for the last couple of seasons and this season, he’s flourished. Plagued by injuries in his early career, Gibbs seems to have final shaken off the problems that threatened to stunt his development and even cast his future at the club into doubt. No he seems to have shaken off those problems and is now a consistent and reliable member of the first XI. He’s certainly an example for Carl Jenkinson, in how to establish yourself in the first team. He’s still susceptible to the odd injury, but by and large, he’s had an excellent season and could be our first choice for many years to come.

Season Rating - 7/10

Worst Moment - Chelsea 6-0 Arsenal (PL) - Not for the infamous moment in which he was wrongly sent off, but for the two goals before that, when he was caught miles upfield and left us hopelessly exposed.

Best Moment - Hull City 2-3 Arsenal (FA Cup) - Gibbs was alert and in position to head an effort from Alex Bruce off the line and stop us going 3-0 down, which would have all but defeated us.

World Cup? - Unfortunately no. Gibbs was overlooked in favour of 18 year old Luke Shaw. Whilst Shaw is an undoubted talent, Gibbs is the far more experienced and mature player and has been equally as impressive in a much bigger team. He should feel rightly aggrieved to miss the tournament.

Will he stay? - Yes. He signed a new contract not long ago and is set to be our first choice for many more seasons.

Nacho MONREAL - 17

28 years old - 20+16 apps / 0 goals / 1 assists (PL)

A bit of an up and down season for the Spaniard, but one that has ultimately seen him lose the battle for the left back spot to Gibbs. He’s still an excellent player, but Gibbs has stepped up and really seized that spot in the starting line-up. Nacho gives us great depth in defence though and has frequently done a sterling job when thrown on at left midfield to sure up a winning position. Defensively, he’s usually solid and going forward he can put in a good cross, but maybe not as much as he should. Realistically, Nacho is a good squad player and gives depth, but he’s not going to be a long term first choice for us.

Season Rating - 6/10

Worst Moment - Everton 3-0 Arsenal (PL) - Similarly to Vermaelen, he was at fault for two goals and had a horrible day to forget.

Best Moment - Arsenal 2-0 Hull (PL) - Difficult to find a particular stand out match or moment, but his performance against Hull back in the winter was excellent and likely reminded Gibbs he had to keep his good form going.

World Cup? - No, with Jordi Alba ahead of him in the Spanish team, it was always going to be difficult for him to make the plane for Brazil and so it proved.

Will he stay? - I’m 90% sure he will, he may want more playing time, but I think he’s pretty happy at the club and we’re happy to have him.

As ever, let me know your opinions and look out for the Midfielders edition next week. That one might take a little longer as we have tons them! Check out the Goalkeepers edition here.

@sambangsdrumsTell us what you think! If you agree, or have a different view, please leave a comment in the comments section or why not write a response or your own article on YouWrite?

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