Thomas spent most of last season on the sidelines but, on the evidence on his first year in English football, he looks set for a long and prosperous Arsenal career.
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 debut 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. Expect him to make up for lost time this season.
