In response to the open-mic, this is my 'all-time' greatest line-up for the team I support, Arsenal.
The reason 'all-time' is in quotation marks is that I have only included players who I have seen play for Arsenal. As a result I have overlooked greats such as Brady, George, Nicholas, Bastin, Rocastle, Wilson, Jennings, McLintock, Graham, O'Leary, etc...
I think that despite their stature within Arsenal folklore, it would be a bit fickle of me to put them in my team without ever seeing them play.
The formation I have selected is a traditional 4-4-2.
Manager: Naturally, my choice is Arsene Wenger. Despite being a supporter throughout George Graham's successful reign, Wenger has taken Arsenal to a higher level. His spell in charge has been Arsenal's most successful ever.
He has not only revolutionised the club, but he has played a part in revolutionising the English professional game. His management methods have become almost gospel-like throughout the Premier League and his trophy haul is second only to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Goalkeeper: David Seaman. In my opinion, the greatest goalkeeper ever. He might have made a few high profile mistakes during his career, but these were only high profile because they were his only mistakes.
He was a calming influence, in which his defence always had full confidence. His shot-stopping ability was second to none and his ability to hold onto the ball was second to none. He also pulled off the greatest save ever against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final during his final season at the club.
Left Back: At times, Arsenal have had an embarrassment of riches at left back. All have been able to not only defend exceptionally, but also attack with style and panache. Nigel Winterburn is my choice.
He provided the original mould for what Wenger wanted his left backs to play like. He was defensively, the strongest Arsenal have had during my time as a supporter, and he developed his attacking game under Wenger's stewardship. He was part of the famous 'Arsenal back four.'
Centre Back: In my opinion, the club's greatest ever player, Tony Adams. He was Mr. Arsenal and he put his heart and soul into every match. He is one of England's greatest ever defenders.
Under Wenger he improved from not only possessing top-class defensive ability, but matured into a composed centre back who could begin attacks from the back. His goal against Everton to seal the clubs first ever Premier League trophy, was an iconic moment, and one which aptly befitted Adams.
Centre Back: Not many players ever dare to cross the North London divide between Tottenham and Arsenal, only few have done so throughout the years, but arguably, none have done it as successfully as Sol Campbell. His presence in the Arsenal defense was an extremely important asset throughout their title triumphs of 2002 and 2004.
He was a born leader, and formed a key component of the spine of Arsenal's 'Invinicibles.' He provided a massive goal scoring threat from set-pieces, and like Adams, possessed natural top-class defensive ability, which was also groomed into Campbell becoming a more cultured centre back.
13 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Billy Sexton 11 months ago
interesting stuff... i would have wright instead of bergkamp... otherwise i agree with all other selections
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Dakota Rubin 11 months ago
Great article. I really respect and agree with the choice of only choosing players who you have seen. Interesting but great call.
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Michael Byrne 11 months ago
Seaman the greatest keeper ever? For Arsenal perhaps, but surely he was behind some of the legends of goalkeeping like Yashin, Schmeichel, Buffon? He was good, but I'm not sure he was that good.
And he had a pony-tail... ;-)
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Bevan Bolland 11 months ago
Ive never seen Yashin play, but he is definitely as good as Schmeichel was and Buffon is. But he played for Arsenal so that ups him a notch in my book.
Whilst he might be the best in my opinion, that ponytail certainly means he sin't the most stylish. embarrassing.
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Bevan Bolland 11 months ago
Seaman is as good as Schmeichel was and Buffon is*
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Alex Ferguson 11 months ago
Sol Campbell? Are you kidding me? How about Steve Bould, who harnessed Arsenal's back line for years?
And Liam Brady - the best passer for years before he went to Juventus - in midfield? I'm sure he's better than Ray Parlour. Or how about George Graham, who had a storied history at Arsenal
Oh, and Ian Wright was a better striker than Dennis Bergkamp (though having said that Bergkamp has a knack for goals.....)
And on the bench, why wouldn't you consider Charlie George or John Lukic (back up goalkeeper)? How about mercurial winger Anders Limpar (integral to the 1990-1 Division One-winning side) - one of the most loved players ever. Any of those three are a lot better than Freddie Ljundberg, who seemed to spend more time injured or modelling than he did playing. Oh, and Lukic was a better keeper than Lehmann ever will be....
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Bevan Bolland 11 months ago
I did state in the article that I only considered players I had seen play. Read paragraphs 2 and 3. So that explains the absence of anyone from before about 1994.
Sol Campbell won 2 Premier League titles and 3 FA Cups. He was part of the invincibles. He won more caps for England than Steve Bould. He was a better player with the ball. Steve Bould was a fantastic defender but not as good as Adams, Campbell and Keown.
Ian Wright was a better finisher and scorer of goals, but are you seriously telling me you would overlook Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry to put him in the team. There are only two striking positions. In a recent poll of Arsenal fans, Bergkamp and Henry were voted 2nd and 1st respectively in a list of Arsenal's 50 greatest players ever. So i don't think I'm on my own when I select them ahead of Wright. Wright is an Arsenal legend, always will be, he's one of my favourite ever players, but I prefer Bergkamp and Henry, you can't criticise that. Plus Bergkamp and Henry won more with the club than Wright.
My selection isn't actually too bad is it considering the parameters I set myself? Ridicule that.
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Alex Ferguson 11 months ago
Having said that, at least you opened yourself for ridicule when you wrote this list. 'Nuff respect.
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Alex Ferguson 11 months ago
I would completely disagree with Bergkamp. Ian Wright, Wright, Wright
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Keith Griffin 11 months ago
Would agree with most of that, only inclusion I would have made was Liam Brady. Not just a great for Arsenal but one of the greatest in Europe at the time
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Bevan Bolland 11 months ago
I only picked players I had seen play. see paragraphs 2 and 3.
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Thomas 11 months ago
I liked seeing Vierrra & Henry included in ur line up
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Jonny Campbell 11 months ago
Sol Campbell was one of Arsenals best defenders and I see why you would put him as a starter! He still is very good and captained Pompey to a FA Cup this year... and I think Kolo Toure should be on that list of possible Inductees!
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