Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams and other players to feature in Arsene Wenger's Best XI

David Cooper - Writer 00:25 21/04/2018
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  • After 22 years at the helm, it will be the end of an era for Arsene Wenger when his association with Arsenal is over next month. He will leave London with three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups and possibly the Europa League trophy come May and that success would not have been possible without his players.

    Since arriving in 1996, Wenger has been fortunate to work with some world-class players over his two decades and here, we have come up with our Best XI during Wenger’s reign at Arsenal.

    GOALKEEPER: DAVID SEAMAN

    Already at club when Wenger arrived, 1996 to 2003

    Appearances: 230 

    When Wenger arrived in 1996, he was fortunate to have a gifted goalkeeper in David Seaman. Agile, authoritative and calm, Seaman was a safe pair of hands who rarely made errors in a big game when he was at his peak. Played key roles in the league’s 1998 and 2002 success’ and three FA Cup triumphs.

    GettyImages-949893

    RIGHT BACK: LAUREN

    £7.2 million from Mallorca, 2000-6

    Appearances: 159, Goals 4

    Plying his trade in Spain where he grew up, Lauren made the move to north London in 2000 for £7.2million and quickly established himself as the first-choice right-back. Played a major role in Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ campaign and in the 2001-02 season. Left the club in 2007 having made nearly 250 appearances in seven years.

    Lauren of Arsenal

    CENTRE BACK: SOL CAMPBELL

    Free transfer from Tottenham, 2001-6 and 2010

    Appearances: 146, Goals 8

    Caused a lot of controversy after signing on a free from arch rivals Tottenham, the England defender showed why Arsene Wenger rated him so highly with consistent performances at the back. Played 146 times for the Gunners and was an integral part of their unbeaten Premier League season in 2004.

    CORRECTING IDENTITY -- SOL CAMPBELL Arse

    CENTRE BACK: TONY ADAMS

    Already at the club when Wenger arrived, 1996 to 2002

    Appearances: 204

    The one-man club and a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, Adams was one of the finest defenders in English football. As well timing his tackles perfectly and having mental and physical resilience, he possessed great leadership that was instrumental in the club’s league success in 1998 and 2002.

    Dean Sturridge, Tony Adams

    LEFT BACK: ASHLEY COLE

    Youth product, 1999 to 2006

    Appearances: 156, Goals: 8

    Making his first-team debut aged just 18 was just the start for the Arsenal youth player as he went on to become one of the world’s best left-backs. Won two Premier League titles including the 2003-04 season and three FA Cups before making a controversial move across London to sign for Chelsea.

    Birmingham City v Arsenal

    RIGHT MIDFIELD: ROBERT PIRES

    Signed from Marseille for £6 million, 2000-6

    Appearances: 189, Goals: 62

    The Frenchman didn’t have the best of starts to his career at Arsenal but the World Cup and Euro 2000 winner gradually found his form. Despite playing as a winger, he had an eye for goal, scoring 62 goals, some which were extraordinary as the club won two league titles and FA Cups in six years.

    Arsenal's Robert Pires (R) fights off a

    CENTRE MIDFIELD: PATRICK VIEIRA

    Signed from AC Milan for £3.5 million, 1996 to 2005

    Appearances: 279, Goals: 29

    A tough-tackling midfielder, the Frenchman wasn’t afraid to get stuck in, in any battle on the pitch. Led by example and was a driving force in 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ campaign. Left the club for Juventus after nine seasons with almost 280 appearances.

    FA Cup Semi Final - Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers

    CENTRE MIDFIELD: CESC FABREGAS

    Joined from Barcelona Academy, 2003-11

    Appearances: 212, Goals: 35

    Arrived from Barcelona as a 16-year-old in 2003, Fabregas made giant steps in his development, making his first-team debut later that year. Became a prominent player for Arsene Wenger in the centre of midfield and was later given the armband. Won the FA Cup in 2005 before returning back to the Nou Camp in 2011 after eight years.

    Arsenal v Barcelona - UEFA Champions League

    LEFT MIDFIELD: MARC OVERMARS

    Signed from Marseille for £5 million, 1997-2000

    Appearances: 100, Goals: 25

    Wenger took a risk to bring the Dutchman to Highbury but the decision paid off as Overmars took English football by storm. Finding his feet after recovering from a lengthy injury, was immense on the wing with his pace and creativity causing headaches for the opposition. He made 100 appearances over three seasons, winning the double in 1997-98.

    GettyImages-1023609

    STRIKER: THIERRY HENRY

    Signed from Juventus for £11 million, 1999-2007 and 2012 (loan)

    Appearances: 258, Goals: 228

    A few eye brows were raised when Henry arrived from Juventus for £11 million as a winger but that was soon forgotten when he showed his potential as an out-and-out striker. Caused problems for his defenders with his speed and agility and made it a habit of scoring some sensational goals. Is the club’s all-time scorer with 228 goals over two spells, winning seven trophies in London.

    French forward Thierry Henry (L) of Arse

    STRIKER: DENNIS BERGKAMP

    Signed from Marseille for £7.5 million, 1995-2006

    Appearances: 423, Goals: 120

    One of Bruce Rioch’s first signings but it was the arrival of Arsene Wenger which saw Bergkamp transformed into a complete player. A magician on the ball, he had great vision in creating opportunities and was a threat in front of goal. Scored 120 goals in 423 apperances, winning three Premier League titles and three FA Cups in his 11 years.

    Arsenal v Manchester United

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