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So UEFA's official website and twitter have invited fans to submit questions to be asked of players in pre-match interviews. Matt Spiro interviewed Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal and France central defender, ahead of tomorrow's quarterfinal, and wouldn't you know it, our very own Aidan Gibson submitted a question, and UEFA picked it, and Koscielny answered it:
@beltransmole23 tweeted #AskKoscielny: How hard will it be to defend against Spain if they play without a main striker? Here is his answer..
— UEFA.com (@UEFAcom) June 22, 2012
@beltransmole23 Koscielny: It's easier for a central defender when there is someone who stays up front but Spain don’t play like that.
— UEFA.com (@UEFAcom) June 22, 2012
@beltransmole23 Koscielny: There's always movement. Sometimes there is no-one in the middle & then all of a sudden there are 2 or 3 players.
— UEFA.com (@UEFAcom) June 22, 2012
@beltransmole23 Koscielny: We'll have to be very careful from start to finish. The danger can come from anywhere... #FRA
— UEFA.com (@UEFAcom) June 22, 2012
@beltransmole23 Koscielny: ... but especially from the midfielders who surge forward. #EURO2012
— UEFA.com (@UEFAcom) June 22, 2012
So, there you have it. Koscielny confirms that when teams move their attackers around and don't use orthodox movement, the central defenders have to be on their toes. Good thing he knows Cesc Fabregas and maybe can distract him with his favorite cereal or something...