Thomas Vermaelen

Thomas looks set for a long and prosperous Arsenal career after a revelatory first season in English football.

The Belgian was a relative unknown when he arrived from Ajax in the summer of 2009 as a replacement for Kolo Toure but he is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Thomas' tackling ability and willingness to attack the ball make him a natural leader at the back and he is more than capable at the other end too, scoring eight goals in his first campaign - including a couple of long-range specials against Wigan and Blackburn.

That said, Thomas has made it clear that he would swap his goals for more clean sheets - the true currency of a title-winning defender.

Either way he's already a fans' favourite and will take on extra responsibility after a summer in which four centre backs left Emirates Stadium.

• Name:

  Thomas Vermaelen

• Born:

  November 14, 1985

• Kapellen, Belgium

• Position:

  Defender

• Squad Number:

  5

• Previous Club(s):

  KFC Germinal Beerschot

• AFC Ajax Amsterdam

• RKC Waalwijk (Loan)

• Joined Arsenal:

  June 19, 2009