Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny believes Arsene Wenger has built a team of men, despite not winning a Premier League title since the 2003-04 season.

The France defender has become one of the Premier League’s finest centre backs, while also showcasing his leadership skills by captaining the side this season while Per Mertesacker is out injured.

However, Koscielny believes that the team would not be in the position they are at the moment if it wasn’t for their influence of long-serving manager.

‘You may say that we haven’t won the title for a long time, but he has not just built players, he’s built men too,’ Koscielny told the Arsenal website.

‘Every player who has played for Arsenal has grown here and has become a man. It’s a big number [of players]. For me and the others, it’s a good opportunity to be with him and learn from him.

‘Along with a lot of people, he’s helped this club grow with a new stadium, a new training ground, and he built the platform for us to compete for the Premier League and Champions League every year.’

Arsenal will next welcome Burnley to the Emirates Stadium when the two side’s meet in the Premier League on Sunday.

Kick-off has been scheduled for 16:15.