Arsenal Team of the Decade – Sagna & Koscielny Makes It to The Elite List

Arsenal | Team of the Decade

As 10 years have now passed since the unbeaten Premier League season, I wonder if any of Wenger’s recruits since the Gunners’ greatest ever season would fit into the starting XI?

Goalkeeper: Jens Lehmann

The big German was touted to be one of the best in world football during his early days with Schalke, and later became a solid fixture in the Royal Blues’ starting XI, as he became their first choice goalkeeper for almost 10 years, but it is now a much forgotten fact that he had a largely unsuccessful spell with Italian giants AC Milan before returning to Germany with Dortmund. At Dortmund he regained some of his reputation, but it was Arsene Wenger who really unlocked his true potential, as for the best part of 5 years he tangled with Gigi Buffon, Iker Casillas and Oliver Kahn for the title of the world’s best shot-stopper. He re-joined Arsenal in 2011, making only 1 appearance.

 

Right-Back: Bacary Sagna

The French wingback has become a beacon of consistency in North London. Terrific defensive ability as well as attacking flair make him one of Europe’s more dangerous offensive defenders. Sagna made his Arsenal debut back in 2007, and has now been a gooner for 7 seasons, most of them being as first choice right-back.

 

Centre-Back: Sol Campbell

One of very few British defenders to have great tactical nous and great game-reading ability, often tagged as ‘Judas’ by Tottenham Hotspur fans, and although he left after claiming he would spend the rest of his career at White Hart Lane, you can often detect a hint of jealousy, as the former Newcastle defender hit heights at Arsenal he never did at Spurs, and overall, the move did him well. The central rock in the invincibles XI, he will be remembered by Arsenal fans for many years to come.

 

Centre-Back: Laurent Koscielny

The France international will only make his 100th Premier League appearance away to Cardiff City on the 30th of November, and although it may seem a little much to include him in Arsenal’s team of the decade, but his place is completely justified. One of the best when it comes to one-on-one situations and great leadership, the former Lorient man will go down as an Arsenal great should he stay for long enough.

 

Left-Back: Gael Clichy

Clichy left Arsenal on quite bitter terms after he claimed that his move to Manchester City was fuelled by ambition and the possibility of winning trophies, many disappointed Arsenal fans claim that he left for the bumper pay cheque, which in some ways may be true, but his FA Cup and Premier League medals may press that claim. The France international was a big part of Arsenal for 8 years, and they have still struggled to replace him. Clichy easily continued where Ashley Cole left-off, and for that reason, he makes the team of the decade.

 

Centre-Midfield: Cesc Fabregas

Fabregas

The Spanish sensation joined from Barcelona on a free transfer in 2003, and rose so quickly that he overtook Patrick Vieira in the Arsenal starting XI. Although many fans were sceptical at the start, Wenger’s decision more than paid off. He ran the midfield for 5 years before a big money return to Cataluna.

Centre-Midfield: Gilberto Silva

The Brazilian engine spent 6 years at Arsenal and was the midfield general in the invincibles team. Famed for his stamina, determination, grit and tackling ability, he became one of the most complete midfielders in Europe. The World Cup winner left for Panathinaikos in 2008 before re-joining boyhood club Atletico Mineiro this summer.

Centre-Midfield: Patrick Vieira

The big Frenchman anchored the Gunners midfield for 9 years, known for his size, strength, pace and passing ability, he is basically last generation’s Yaya Toure. After flopping at AC Milan, Vieira joined Wenger’s men in 1996 and was a certain starter until a certain Spanish teenager pushed him out of the starting lineup in 2005, and he subsequently moved on to Juventus.

Right-Forward: Dennis Bergkamp

The Dutch legend spent 11 years at Highbury, retiring in 2006, his best years were spent in North London. The striker had a highly successful spell at Ajax before struggling at Inter Milan. Bergkamp joined Wenger’s side in 1995, making over 300 appearances and scoring over 100 goals, he was an un-debatable success.

 

Centre-Forward: Thierry Henry

Who else would occupy the central strikers role in Arsenal’s team of the decade? Arsenal’s greatest ever player spent 8 years in London, becoming the Gunners’ highest ever scorer and also second in the Premier League’s all-time charts with 174 strikes in 254 games. The World Cup winning striker was unplayable at times, scoring over 200 goals in 8 seasons showed exactly what the former Juventus and Barcelona man could do.

 

Left-Forward: Fredrik Ljungberg

Swedish sensation Freddie Ljungberg gave 9 years of his career to Arsenal, joining in 1998 and leaving in 2007, he amassed almost 250 appearances for the Gunners. Blessed with pace, trickery and a good eye for goal, he and Robert Pires made one of the deadliest winger partnerships in world football. With over 50 goals and countless assists, Ljungberg was almost as important to Arsenal as Thierry Henry is.

Note: This is just my personal opinion. Please comment below if you agree or disagree with my views