Earlier this summer, Arsenal’s board asked over 12,000 fans around the world to vote for their all-time Gunners XI. The voting was based on two principles: first, no current players would be featured, and second, the Dream Team would be formed in a traditional 4-4-2 formation.
All of the names elected are legendary people of The Gunners. Let’s admire Arsenal’s lineup of 11 best “gunners”!
1. David Seaman (Goalkeeper, 80% of votes, 564 games/0 goals)
Notable achievements: kept a clean sheet in 24 consecutive matches, while only conceding 18 goals, contributing significantly to Arsenal winning the Premier League championship in the 1990-1991 season. During his time playing for Arsenal, he won many glories with The Gunners, typically 3 league championships (1991, 1998, 2002), 4 FA Cups (1993,1998, 2002, 2003), the League Cup in 1993 and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1994.
2. Lee Dixon (Right-back, 58% of votes, 619 games/28 goals)
Outstanding achievements: With Arsenal, he won 4 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups, 1 League Cup and 1 European Cup. It can be said that Lee Dixon is one of the “kings” of titles at Highbury Stadium (formerly home of Arsenal).
Possessing perfect defensive skills: persistent pursuit, fierce tackles and not afraid to “fight” with muscular opponents, Dixon always proves to be the number 1 position in Arsenal’s defense.
3. Nigel Winterburn (Left-back, 46% of votes, 584 games/ 12 goals)
Outstanding achievements: During 13 years playing for Arsenal in the Premier League, Nigel was one of the best full-backs in the country. Talent and perfect personality helped him take the place of Ashley Cole , a super left-back who also played for the “London Gunners”.
4. Patrick Vieira (Central midfielder, 90% of votes, 406 matches/ 33 goals)
Notable achievements: One of Arsenal’s most influential players under Arsene Wenger . From a “potential” player, thanks to the dedicated guidance of “professor” Wenger , Vieira became one of the top midfielders in the world. Possessing excellent ball recovery skills and sharp passes, Vieira is one of the best midfielders in Arsenal’s history.
5. Sol Campbell (Central defender, 80% of votes, 211 matches/ 12 goals)
Outstanding achievements: Possessing leadership qualities along with perfect defensive skills, Campbell was an important factor contributing to the “Gunners” having a glorious season in 2003 – 2004, in this season the Gunners only conceded 26 goals.
6. Tony Adams (Central defender, 90% of votes, 669 matches/ 48 goals)
Notable achievements: The only player to have captained Arsenal for 14 years, owning 10 championship titles in England (including: Premier League and FA Cup) in 3 decades. It is easy to understand why Adams is affectionately called: Mr Arsenal .
7. Freddie Ljunberg (Midfielder, 44% of votes, 328 games/ 72 goals)
Outstanding achievement: dubbed the “Swedish superhero”, Ljungberg is considered one of the best attacking midfielders at Highbury. Ljunberg and the Gunners won many big and small titles, especially the undefeated season in 2003 – 2004.
8. Liam Brady (Midfielder, 31% of votes, 307 games/ 59 goals)
Outstanding achievements: Along with Henry , Brady is the most “mischievous” player of Arsenal. His talent and past influence helped him to be elected as Director of Arsenal’s training and youth development system.
9. Thierry Henry (Striker, 98% of votes, 370 matches/ 226 goals)
Outstanding achievements: The best striker in Arsenal’s history, a true “killer” on the pitch. Henry has gathered all the top qualities of a striker: skillful individual technique, sprinting with terrifying speed and an extremely mischievous mind. Henry is one of the most important factors that made the historic season 2003/2004. With Arsenal, “the son of the wind” won 2 FA Cups, 2 Premier League titles and a series of other personal titles.
10. Dennis Bergkamp (Midfielder – Backward striker, 82% of votes, 423 matches/ 120 goals)
Notable achievements: Arriving at Arsenal in 1995, Dennis quickly became one of the most feared strikers in the land of fog. Possessing neither strength nor the ability to press, Bergkamp raised football to the level of art. Each of his moves was very delicate and beautiful, with his classic goal against Newcastle in 2002 being a typical example.
11. Robert Pires (Midfielder – 71% of votes, 284 matches/ 84 goals)
Outstanding achievements: Pires is a player with speed, intelligence and skillful technique in handling the ball. He is also an important “note” in the glorious symphony of Arsenal in the 2003-2004 season.
