Arsenal Legends During Arsene Wenger's Era: Patrick Vieira

What Did He Give to Arsenal

As I mentioned above, he is arguably Wenger's best signing to date. Because he was Wenger's first signing and he never left the starting lineup when fit. Arrived at 3.5 million pounds, he was the heartbeat of the all conquering Arsenal side during 1998-2004 which won trophies after trophies.

Henry scored the goals, but think about it, if Arsenal didn't have the ball, how would Henry score? Vieira did the most important thing of all, and that was, actually getting the ball and maintaining possession.

He broke opponent's attacks with hard, thumping tackles, then gives a simple pass to start lightning counter attacks, or simply drives forward with the ball, beating three or four players with pure power, to set up/score a goal.

If people suggests the current Arsenal misses Henry, I would rather think every team in the world would miss a Vieira. League positions with Vieira, third-first-second-second-second-first-second-first-second.

League positions since he left, fourth-fourth-third-fifth (at the moment). Not saying he is the reason for Arsenal's drop in league position, but stats are stats, and it proves just how important a player he was for the Gunners.

What Did He Give to The EPL

You might not realise it, but he has actually had a massive influence in football. How often did you see a gangly, lanky midfielder before Vieira? Most midfielders before him were shorter, but more mobile.

But after Vieira, the amount of midfielders withsimilar frame have become hot properties around the world, andalso, the amount of players playing with a goal of "I want to become a Vieira," Yaya Toure, Diop, Sissoko.

Most managers (especially the continental ones) realise, that every successful team needs a Vieira type player to break plays and drive the team forward, andthis trend was very much started by our very own Wenger!!

Combining physical power with sweet touches, that is something we hope to see in Abou Diaby.

Biggest Shame

Apart from the fact that he left—he really picked up far too many cards. He had been sent off nine times in an Arsenal shirt during his nine seasons at the club.

The biggest shame, however, was that in the latter stages of his Gunners career, he had far too many injuries. Fitness problems led to rather poor performances by his high standards.

The emergence of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard slowly meant that Vieira's helm as the most complete EPL midfielder was slipping away from him, and the Gaffer knew, if the great Frenchman was ever to leave, it was now, in 2005, to Juventus of the Italian Serie A.

"The greatest Wenger XI"

Next up- Goalkeeper- (You know who...)

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