Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker was full of praise for teammate Laurent Koscielny after the Frenchman impressed at the Euro 2016 Championship.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a very positive tournament even if France failed to lift the cup after losing to Portugal in the final.
And the German says his friend is now ready to return to Arsenal to lead Arsene Wenger's defensive department.
"To watch him is a joy for me because he's my team-mate," Mertesacker told Arsenal Player.
"He's done so well for his country, it's really fun to watch him.
"He did so well during the tournament and he's grown as a player during his career at Arsenal and with the national team, he's a figure there now. It took a bit longer for him to be such a big part of the French squad but now he's an integral part there.
"He's very good in a duel, one against one. He anticipates so well and he's so quick that there's no joy for strikers to play against him. He's so composed now and I think there's more to come from him next season.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing him again and seeing his strength on the pitch because he's still growing."
