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Arsenal’s Ezri Konsa hailed as PL’s ‘player of the season’

By on November 13, 2026

ezri konsa arsenal

Former striker turned pundit Alan Shearer has hailed Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa as the Premier League’s early ‘player of the season’.

Following William Saliba’s back problem with France during the World Cup, the Gunners decided to reinforce the defence by purchasing the 29-year-old last summer.

The Englishman has enjoyed a stellar start this season, scoring a solitary goal and keeping seven clean sheets in 15 appearances across all competitions.

Moreover, Konsa has been guiding his side to mount a title charge, sitting at the top of the Premier League table with 27 points from 10 matches. They are currently five points ahead of second-placed Brighton and Hove Albion.

Having proven his worth in club football, Konsa has secured his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England national team.

Now, during a recent interview, Shearer says (via Metro) that Konsa has filled Saliba’s void seamlessly this season and has been the early ‘player of the season’ in the Premier League.

Shearer said:

“I think the player of the season up to now has been Ezri Konsa. I just think when you look at the performances of Arsenal defensively, and look at his performances defensively, we haven’t even really mentioned them missing William Saliba.

“The only time we’ve mentioned him is in the last two weeks and that’s because everyone is thinking how is he going to get back in because Konsa has been that good.”

Konsa hailed as ‘player of the season’

Konsa joined Arsenal after helping Aston Villa win the Europa League title last term. He is a 6ft-tall right-footed centre-back by trait but is also comfortable in the right-back position.

After recovering from his back problem, Saliba has returned to full fitness. Therefore, Mikel Arteta may deploy the Frenchman in the CB position after the international break, pushing Konsa, valued at around £42m by Transfermarkt, into the right-back position.

Moreover, Arsenal currently have Cristhian Mosquera as the right-sided centre-back option. Ben White and Jurrien Timber can also provide cover in this position if needed but have featured as right-backs under Arteta.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup but are currently third in the Champions League table with 10 points from four matches. They are currently just two points behind table-topper Paris Saint-Germain.