So as the Arsenal team begin their pre-season tour of Asia. Personally doesn’t appeal much to me. With the transfer window driving me bonkers, as so far we have signed just 20-year-old Sanago on a free, I really feel we would be much better to buy early so the players can get used to each other. Anyway on to happier thoughts.
As a fan of the Gunners for over 30 years I thought I would have some fun and pick my best/favourite Arsenal XI. I know many will disagree, but here goes. I will do a 4-4-2 to keep it simple…
1- Goal Keeper – David Seaman – A top-class keeper making 405 appearances for the Gunners and to this day produced the best save I have ever seen live (against Sheffield United in the FA Cup game semifinal – Google it) which United Legend Peter Schmeichel called “The best save I have ever seen”.
2. Right Back – Lee Dixon – Lee was a proper quality right back with a great engine, was brave and a big part of George Graham’s great defence.
3. Centre Back – Tony Adams quite simply a true Arsenal legend dubbed” Mr. Arsenal” only ever playing Arsenal. Had everything and was a true leader.
4. Centre Back – Sol Campbell/Martin Keown – Both of these CB’s are great, probably the best we’ve had in some time, but I do personally favour Steve Bould who was a great partner for Adams, was brave, strong and was very good positionally.
5. Left Back – Nigel Winterburn – I think Ashley Cole may have more ability than Nigel Winterburn, but I just favor the latter with over 400 appearances and was a guy who gave all he had every game. And with him, Bould, Adams and Dixon with Seaman to boot, they were a truly great back 5.
Now onto the attacking players…
6. Midfield – Robert Pires – Pires was a truly classy, silky player with ability with both feet to score and create goals. Some advice; YouTube the goal against Villa over Schmeichel’s head – it was an unreal strike.
7. Centre midfield – Patrick Vieira – Vieira was a nasty strong player, who basically controlled a game. He had everything; he won headers at both ends, scored important goals and was the heartbeat of “The Invincibles”.
8. Centre midfield – Gilberto Silva – Everyone has their favorites and one of mine is Gilberto Silva. He was such an underrated player who did all the donkey work thus letting the more creative players shine.
9. Midfield – Cesc Fabregas – As a player he had it all; passing, skill, a great work ethic and leadership.
Now for the two strikers who I really think stand out a mile…..
10. Forward – Thierry Henry – He was pure electric and had everything and more With a sprinter’s pace and deadly cobra-like finishing he was a constant nuisance. Henry has the club goal scoring record so will always be a true Arsenal great. He said, “once a gooner, always a Gooner”. You will never be forgotten, Thierry….
11. Forward – Dennis Bergkamp – He was the king of football technical ability! Oh my, he scored worldly goals on a weekly basic with amazing flicks, touches and power-packed curlers from 30 yards. He also had a great ability to pick a pass and was the master at laying goals on a plate for others. He was a proper player who will always be seen as a football god.
So that’s my best ever 11. Oh, memories, some bloody great bloody memories of some truly great players.
Until next time, UP THE GUNNERS!
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