Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes the heart of the Gunners back four is what could make the difference when conclusions are made at the end of the season.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the Englishman raised questions on whether Sebastien Squillaci, Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou are good enough to rely on for a whole season as he stressed about the importance of such a delicate position in the side where the players should also take the role of leaders in the team.

On Belgian International Thomas Vermaelen – currently out injured – the 37-year old explained that he will be a vital element of the squad when he returns from injury especially because he is incredibly good in the air.

Vermaelen is the captain of the Belgian national team and according to Parlour he could also be the leader for the Gunners, hence taking over from legends such as Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira in leading the side to success.

On Arsenal’s defensive department, Parlour said:

You look at the situation. You’ve got Squillaci, Koscielny, Djourou – are these good enough to go through the whole season and pick you points up. We all know goalkeepers can save you 12 points a year so can centre-halves.

It’s a very important position, they can see everything happening, they’re the ones who can demand from other players. That’s why they’re so important.

I think Vermaelen is going to be very important because he’s a good player. He’s got a great leap on him for 5ft 11, usually centre-halves are 6ft plus.

I think it’s one of these times where if he thinks Vermaelen can do the job give him the skipper’s armband and say to him ‘these are skipper’s we use to have, Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira, who used to drive the team on, can you do that’ and see if he can do it.