The North London club is the home of some of the finest talents that have contributed to some breathtaking matches. From legendary goal scorers to influential captains and masterful defenders, Arsenal has seen it all. In this article, bestsoccertips ranks the 20 best players of Arsenal to date, honoring their contributions to the club’s rich history.
List of the 10 best players of Arsenal today
10. Freddie Ljungberg
Freddie Ljungberg, a versatile midfielder, played a crucial role in Arsenal’s success in the early 2000s. His dynamism, speed, and technique made him a fan favorite and an indispensable part of the team.
Ljungberg joined Arsenal in 1998 and quickly established himself as an integral part of Arsène Wenger’s squad, often appearing on the right wing. His intelligent movement and goal-scoring ability created significant pressure on opposing defenses.
Ljungberg’s most memorable season was 2001-2002 when he played a crucial role in both of Arsenal’s Premier League and FA Cup victories. Through clever midfield play, coupled with crucial goal-scoring ability, he made significant contributions to the team’s success.
With his trademark red-streaked hair, Ljungberg’s commitment and dedication to the club endeared him to the fans. His versatility, able to play in multiple positions, made him an essential part of Wenger’s team.
Freddie Ljungberg’s energy, flexibility, and contributions played a significant role in Arsenal’s success, establishing him as one of the club’s top midfielders. His presence and memorable performances have carved out a lasting place for him in Arsenal’s history.
9. Liam Brady
Liam Brady, a skillful and influential midfielder, played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s success in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His exceptional technical ability, vision, and creativity made him the focal point of the team.
Brady joined Arsenal as a young player and quickly rose to prominence in the first team. His precise passing, tight ball control, and ability to dictate the pace of the game made him an indispensable part of Arsenal’s attacking style.
Brady’s most memorable season came in 1978-1979 when he helped Arsenal win the FA Cup with a series of outstanding performances. His influence in midfield and his ability to unlock defenses with his incisive passes were crucial factors in the team’s success.
Although injuries hindered Brady’s time at Arsenal, his impact on the club cannot be understated. His superb technique and creativity set him apart from his peers, and he became a revered figure among fans. After leaving Arsenal, Brady continued to shine in Italy with Juventus and Inter Milan, showcasing his talent on the European stage.
Liam Brady’s elegance, skill, and creativity made him one of Arsenal’s greatest midfielders of all time. His impact on the team’s success and his long-lasting legacy as a football maestro ensured his place among the club’s legends.
8. Robert Pires
Robert Pires, a stylish and technically gifted midfielder, played a crucial role in Arsenal’s success in the early 2000s. His graceful playing style, exquisite dribbling ability, and goal-scoring instincts made him one of the most influential players in the team.
Pires joined Arsenal in 2000 from Marseille and quickly established himself as a key figure in Arsène Wenger’s “Invincibles” squad. His partnership with fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry became legendary as they formed a ruthless attacking duo.
Pires’ ability to glide past defenders effortlessly and deliver precise crosses made him a constant threat in the final third of the pitch. His understanding with his teammates was telepathic, leading to numerous goals and assists.
The 2001-2002 season was particularly memorable for Pires as he contributed 14 goals and 15 assists in the league. His performances were crucial in helping Arsenal defend their Premier League title. Despite suffering a serious knee injury in 2002, Pires made a successful comeback and continued to excel in an Arsenal shirt.
He played a significant role in the team’s FA Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2005. Pires’ elegance, creativity, and superb technique made him one of Arsenal’s finest midfielders. His impact on the club’s success and his ability to produce moments of magic ensured him a place among the greatest players ever to wear the Arsenal jersey.
7. Ian Wright
Ian Wright, a goal-scoring machine and a true Arsenal icon, remains one of the most beloved figures in the club’s history. His lethal finishing, passionate goal celebrations, and charismatic personality endeared him to fans worldwide.
Wright joined Arsenal in 1991 from Crystal Palace and wasted no time in making an impact. He quickly established himself as one of England’s most prolific goal scorers, breaking numerous records along the way. Wright became Arsenal’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing the previous record set by Cliff Bastin.
His partnership with strike partner Dennis Bergkamp became legendary as they formed a deadly attacking duo that terrorized defenses. Wright’s ability to score goals with power and finesse made him a nightmare for opposing defenders.
Wright’s crowning moment came in the 1997-1998 season when he played a crucial role in Arsenal’s double triumph in the Premier League and FA Cup. His remarkable goal-scoring feats, including an impressive hat-trick against Bolton to clinch the league title, solidified his place in Arsenal folklore.
Off the pitch, Wright’s enthusiasm and love for the club endeared him to fans of all ages. He remains a passionate supporter of Arsenal and a renowned pundit. Ian Wright’s goal-scoring records, impressive performances, and unwavering loyalty make him one of Arsenal’s greatest strikers of all time. His legacy as an Arsenal legend will be forever cherished by fans worldwide.
6. David O’Leary
David O’Leary, a legendary defender who spent his entire playing career at Arsenal, remains one of the most loyal and steadfast figures in the club’s history. His defensive solidity, leadership qualities, and longevity made him one of the greatest players of all time.
O’Leary joined Arsenal as a youth player in 1973 and made 722 appearances for the club, a record that stood for over 20 years. His ability to read the game, timely interceptions, and marshalling of the defense earned him immense respect.
During his time at Arsenal, O’Leary won two league titles and two FA Cups. His partnership with fellow defender Kenny Sansom formed the backbone of Arsenal’s defense, providing a solid foundation for the team’s success.
David O’Leary’s longevity, defensive prowess, and loyalty to Arsenal make him one of the greatest defenders in the club’s history. His appearances and unwavering dedication to the team ensured his place among the legends of Arsenal.
5. Charlie George
Charlie George, a captivating and talented striker, etched his name into Arsenal folklore with an iconic goal in the 1971 FA Cup final. His finesse, flair, and ability to perform on the big stage made him a beloved figure among fans.
George’s glorious moment came in the FA Cup final against Liverpool when he scored the decisive goal in extra time. His celebration, lying flat on the Wembley turf with arms outstretched, became an enduring image in English football history.
Beyond his heroics in the FA Cup final, George’s performances for Arsenal showcased his technical ability and finesse. His dribbling skills, powerful shooting, and creative flair made him a key player in the team’s attacking style.
Despite injuries and off-field issues hindering George’s career, his impact on Arsenal’s history cannot be overlooked. He represented the club during a transitional period and provided memorable moments that will be cherished forever.
Charlie George’s iconic goal and charismatic playing style make him one of the most memorable figures in Arsenal’s history. His influence on the team’s success and ability to produce magical moments ensured him a place among the club’s greatest players.
4. Patrick Vieira
Patrick Vieira, a powerful midfielder and commanding presence, epitomized leadership, physicality, and exceptional technique during his time at Arsenal. His arrival at the club in 1996 heralded a new era of success and dominance. Vieira’s athleticism and midfield dominance made him a formidable force. His exceptional passing ability, combined with his box-to-box energy, allowed him to contribute both defensively and offensively.
As Arsenal’s captain, Vieira led the team to unprecedented success, including 3 Premier League titles and 4 FA Cups. His influence on the pitch matched his leadership qualities and ability to inspire those around him.
One of Vieira’s most memorable moments came in the 2003-2004 season when he played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s “Invincible” campaign. His performances in midfield were instrumental in breaking records.
The combination of physicality, skill, and leadership qualities made Patrick Vieira one of Arsenal’s greatest midfielders of all time. His impact on the club’s success and his legacy as a true leader ensured his place among the greatest players of all time.
3. Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp, renowned for his sublime skill, exquisite technique, and ability to create magical moments, is widely regarded as one of the most talented players ever to wear the Arsenal jersey.
His arrival at the club in 1995 signaled a new era and a change in the team’s playing style. His vision and creativity were unmatched as he consistently crafted penetrating passes and scored spectacular goals. Bergkamp’s ability to control the ball in tight spaces and execute precise finishes made him a true artist on the field.
Bergkamp’s partnership with strike partner Ian Wright proved highly effective as they formed a deadly attacking duo. Their understanding and telepathic play led to numerous goals and assists.
One of Bergkamp’s most iconic moments came in 2002 when he scored a remarkable goal against Newcastle United, often referred to as the “Bergkamp flick.” This goal epitomized his outstanding technique and remains deeply ingrained in the memories of football fans worldwide.
During his time at Arsenal, Bergkamp made significant contributions to the team’s success, winning 3 Premier League titles and 4 FA Cups. His impact went beyond silverware, as he played a crucial role in elevating the club’s stature and leaving a lasting legacy.
Dennis Bergkamp’s elegance, artistry, and ability to produce shining moments make him one of the greatest players ever to don the Arsenal shirt. His influence on the club’s history and his ability to create beautiful football cannot be denied.
2. Cliff Bastin
Cliff Bastin, an outstanding forward who represented Arsenal in the 1920s and 1930s, remains one of the greatest players in the club’s history. His remarkable goal-scoring record and unwavering consistency made him a long-standing figure in Arsenal’s history.
Bastin joined Arsenal in 1929 as a teenager and quickly made his mark. His precision in finding the net and prolific goal-scoring rate set him apart from his peers. Bastin’s intelligent off-the-ball movement and exquisite finishing made him a nightmare for opposing defenders.
During his time at Arsenal, Bastin won 5 league titles and 2 FA Cups, cementing his status as a key figure in the club’s success. He also became Arsenal’s all-time leading goal-scorer, a record that stood for over 60 years.
Bastin’s contributions to Arsenal and English football were widely recognized, as he received numerous individual accolades. His technical ability, goal-scoring prowess, and unwavering dedication endeared him to football fans.
Cliff Bastin’s remarkable goal-scoring record, longevity, and impact on Arsenal’s success make him one of the greatest forwards in the club’s history. His name will forever be associated with Arsenal’s golden age.
1. Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry, often regarded as one of the greatest forwards in football history, left an indelible mark on Arsenal during two spells with the club. His blend of speed, skill, and lethal goal-scoring instinct made him a nightmare for opposing defenders. Henry joined Arsenal in 1999 and quickly established himself as a talented figure in Arsène Wenger’s revolution. His ability to score spectacular goals, whether through clever runs or audacious finishes, set him apart from his peers.
Henry’s crowning achievement came in the historic “Invincibles” season of 2003-04, where Arsenal remained unbeaten in the Premier League. He scored 30 goals in that campaign, showcasing his unparalleled ability to influence games and single-handedly change their outcomes.
The overall goal-scoring record of the French forward at Arsenal is remarkable, with 228 goals in 377 appearances. He became Arsenal’s all-time leading goal-scorer, surpassing the legendary Cliff Bastin. Off the field, Henry epitomized professionalism and humility. He remains a revered figure in the football world and a source of inspiration for ambitious players.
Thierry Henry’s extraordinary goal-scoring ability, combined with his grace and elegance on the field, makes him the greatest player ever to wear the Arsenal jersey. His legacy at the club will be forever cherished, and his impact on Arsenal’s success is immense.
Conclude
In summary, the legacy of Arsenal Football Club is illuminated by the brilliance of its iconic players. From Dennis Bergkamp’s sublime skill to Cliff Bastin’s prolific goal-scoring and Thierry Henry’s unparalleled impact, these footballing legends have etched their names into the club’s illustrious history. Their contributions have not only defined eras but also inspired generations of fans worldwide. As Arsenal continues to progress, their legacies remain as enduring reminders of the club’s rich heritage and the timeless pursuit of excellence on and off the pitch.
