Arsene Wenger has completed 20 years at Arsenal FC, going through the whole gamut of emotion from the height of invincibility to the bitter trophyless years. Throughout the years he has coached some of the best players who will ever wear an Arsenal shirt
22nd September, 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the day that a young Arsene Wenger was unveiled as Arsenal manager. The Hard Tackle takes a look at the greatest XI to have played under the iconic French manager.
David Seaman (GK)
Seaman is probably the greatest Arsenal goalkeeper of all time. He spent 14 years with the Gunners, is sixth in the list of highest appearances for the club, and was a key player in the squad when Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996.
The Englishman helped Wenger to his first two Premier League titles, both doubles with the FA Cup, in 1997-98 and 2001-02. His successor Jens Lehmann narrowly misses out because of Seaman’s longevity and pure ability.
Hector Bellerin (RB)
The likes of Lee Dixon and Lauren were integral parts of Wenger’s triumphs at Arsenal, while Bacary Sagna was also one of the most skillful players to play in the position under the French manager.
However, Arsenal’s current right-back Hector Bellerin has the potential to surpass all three of them. At just 21 years of age, the Spaniard is being considered one of the priority targets for Barcelona. Bellerin may well create his own legacy if he stays on at Arsenal.
Tony Adams (CB)
There is no way that ‘Mr. Arsenal’ can be ignored when it comes to picking a Gunners XI. Having already won two first-division titles before, the veteran helped Wenger to another two Premier League titles in 1997-98 and 2001-02.
Adams spent his entire professional career of 22 years at Arsenal, and is only behind David O’Leary in the list of most appearances for the Gunners.
Sol Campbell (CB)
While many Gooners are not too pleased with Arsene Wenger’s transfer activity these past few seasons, their manager undoubtedly gave them one of the most savage transfers of all time when he signed Sol Campbell from bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in 2001.
The physically imposing Englishman went on to become a key component of Wenger’s Invincibles side, making 197 appearances in five seasons for Arsenal before departing from Portsmouth.
Ashley Cole (LB)
The joy that Gooners felt at the arrival of Campbell was proportionate to their rage and anger at Ashley Cole following his switch to Chelsea in 2006.
However, the English left-back remains one of the best players in that position that the new millennium has produced. An Arsene Wenger product through and through, Cole too was an invincible, though he may not be as fondly remembered as the rest.
Freddie Ljungberg (RM)
A player who Arsene Wenger reportedly signed without even watching live, the Swede winger would go on to score 71 goals in 313 appearances for the Gunners over nine seasons at the club.
Ljungberg remains a popular figure among Gooners, memorably scoring on his debut against fierce rivals Manchester United, but injuries plagued him throughout his career. His association with the club has continued under Wenger, as he is currently the coach of the U16 team.
Patrick Vieira (CM)
Patrick Vieira was the heart and soul of the Arsenal team during his time there. The midfield engine behind the Invincibles and one of the hardest men in a time when the game was dominated by such figures as Roy Keane and Gennaro Gatusso.
The Frenchman who captained the Invincibles would probably also be the captain of Arsene Wenger’s greatest XI.
Mesut Ozil (CM)
The German play maker has often come under criticism for disappearing in big games for the club, but on his day he is the architect of some of the most beautiful attacking football the club has ever played.
Ozil is the biggest star at the club as of now, after Arsene Wenger paid a club record £38.2 million to bring him in from Real Madrid in 2013.
Robert Pires (LM)
Ozil’s predecessor as the creative dynamo of Arsenal was Robert Pires. Wenger brought in the young Frenchman from Olympique Marseille at the turn of the millennium.
The attacking midfielder scored some beautiful goals for the Gunners, and paired up well with another legend in Thierry Henry under the guidance of their compatriot Arsene Wenger.
Dennis Bergkamp (FW)
The arrival of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal proved a decisive moment in the career of Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp. The striker was having difficulties in adapting to English football after arriving from Inter in 1995. One year later, Wenger was appointed manager, and the Frenchman’s philosophy and training regime breathed new life to his Arsenal career.
Bergkamp will forever be remembered for his silken first touch, brilliant dribbling ability and tactical versatility. Although his most memorable goal did come playing for his national team.
Thierry Henry (FW)
Arsenal’s Captain, Frenchman Thierry Henry (L) celebrates with countryman manager Arsene Wenger (R) after scoring from a penalty shot during their Premiership match against Charlton at home to Arsenal, 02 January 2006. (Photo by Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images)
If there’s one player who embodies the success and brilliance that Arsene Wenger brought to Arsenal it is none other than one of the greatest ever strikers to grace the game, Thierry Henry.
Wenger took a 22-year-old with potential and at Arsenal he turned him into a spectacular player capable of absolute magic. Henry is the highest ever goal-scorer for Arsenal with 228 goals in 337 appearances, and is unarguably the club’s biggest icon.
