Best Arsenal XI of All Time: Ranking the Gunners' 10 Best Players of All Time
This slideshow will rank the best Arsenal players of all time into a team of Eleven, which will be organized in a 4-4-2 formation. The list is as follows:
This slideshow will rank the best Arsenal players of all time into a team of Eleven, which will be organized in a 4-4-2 formation. The list is as follows:
Goalkeeper: David Seaman
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This Arsenal shot-stopper had a marvelous career before being replaced by Jens Lehmann. His shot-stopping skill and dominance of his area was noted, as were his well-documented howlers against Nayim (Real Zaragoza, Cup-winners Cup) and Ronaldinho (World Cup 2002, England).
Overall, however, he is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, as well as Arsenal's greatest ever goalkeeper.
Honorable Mention: Bob Wilson and Pat Jennings
Left-Back: Ashley Cole
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"Cashley," was one of the best left-backs Arsenal have ever had. His pace, crossing ability and pressure are always a threat to opposing full backs and wingers.
He was a part of the Arsenal double team of 2002, as well as the Invincibles of 2004, where he formed a good wing partnership with Robert Pires.
Honorable Mention: Nigel Winterburn
Centre Back: Tony Adams
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The Arsenal man cannot be left out of this 11. One of the greatest defenders of the Premier League, not only at Arsenal.
He formed three successful centre-back partnerships in his career: with Steve Bould, Martin Keown and Sol Campbell. An inspirational captain, his presence was immense and his tackling exquisite.
Honorable Mention(s): Sol Campbell, Steve Bould
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Centre-Back: Sol Campbell
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This East Londoner is one of the only England players to get into an All-Star Team at a World Cup. This accolade, perhaps hints at his defensive prowess.
He was a supremely talented defender, who also headed in important goals (against Barcelona, Champions League final).
Honorable Mentions: David O'Leary
Right-Back: Lee Dixon
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This Arsenal right-back was part of the famous four defense composed of Adams, Bould and Winterburn, as well as himself.
He was provided the ball to Smith for Michael Thomas' goal at Anfield in 1989 (this won Arsenal the title). A formidable right back, his crossing ability was fantastic.
Right-Midfielder: Robert Pires
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The French right midfielder had huge amounts of skill and pace. He was instrumental in Arsenal's Champions League run of 05-06 and their League victories in 2003-04 and 02-03.
He was criticized for his lack of physicality in relation to the English game, yet he bamboozled opposing full-backs for seasons.
Central Midfielder: Liam Brady
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The former Arsenal man was one of the greatest passers of all time. He controlled the game from the middle of the park and was a joy to watch.
After he left, Arsenal were severely affected. He guided Arsenal to three FA Cup finals and one UEFA Cup Winners Cup final.
Sadly, his only honour was the 1979 FA Cup, after which he left for Juventus. At Juventus too, he won two Serie A's in a row, eventually to be ousted by Michel Platini.
Honorable Mentions: Cesc Fabregas, Gilberto
Central Midfielder: Patrick Vieira
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This Arsenal midfielder was an immense presence on the pitch next to his midfield partner of many years, Gilberto Silva.
His tackling was excellent and his passing and touch were assured. He made a great captain of a great Invincibles team.
Left- Midfielder: Marc Overmars
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Overmars was one of the speediest players that Arsenal have ever. He was good enough to be given the nickname "Meep Meep" (a reference to an American cartoon character called The Road Runner).
He was skilled as well as speedy, and he terrorised opposition full-backs. He was instrumental in the Arsenal team of 1998, where they won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Charity Shield.
Second Striker: Dennis Bergkamp
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The Dutch forward is critically acclaimed as one of the best technically gifted players ever. In fact, he was a part of the Fantasy Dutch XI of all time, occupying his favorite Second Striker role behind Marco Van Basten.
He was an adept second striker who used his vision and passing ability to create chances for his more- forward striking partner. He led Arsenal to three Premier Leagues, four FA Cups and three Community Shields.
"One night last year, some legends of Dutch football gathered for dinner in an Amsterdam house. Around midnight conversation turned to an old question: who was the best Dutch footballer ever? Dutchmen have been voted European Footballer of the Year seven times, more than any other nationality except Germans.
"Yet Jan Mulder, a great centre-forward turned writer, chose a player who had never even threatened to win the award nor, at the time, a Champions League: 'Bergkamp. He had the finest technique,' said Mulder. Guus Hiddink, the great Dutch manager, nodded, and so the matter was settled."- Simon Kuper, The Financial Times
Striker: Thierry Henry
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Arsenal's all time top scorer and captain in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final, Henry was a fantastic player.
First Choice for any punter's Premier League XI of all time, Henry was a striker who fed on chances created by his strike partner, and used his exceptional pace to get behind defenders (as seen here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCV6Verj0es) and calmly finish.
His one-on-one record was impeccable, and some may consider him an out-and-out striker. He played on the wing for Monaco and Juventus before he joined Arsenal, where he was uncomfortable. He played on the wing for Arsenal as well, and got 15 assists.
Manager: Arsene Wenger
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Who else? Most successful manager of Arsenal, longest ever manager of Arsenal. There is no competition for Arsene Wenger.
Honorable Mention: George Graham
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