From iconic managers to fierce rivalries, Arsenal have played their part in the rise of English football over the last few decades. Additionally, the Gunners have improved the quality of the Premier League thanks to some undoubted superstars who carried Arsenal on numerous occasions and entertained crowds at both the Emirates and Highbury.
When assessing some of English football’s best players of the 21st century, many turned out for Arsenal. A club that has won the Premier League twice since the year 2000 and has delivered several other domestic triumphs in that time, Arsenal have always been a team with plenty of game-changers. Some players have done better than others, though.
As the current Arsenal team aims to achieve their title-winning campaign and finally get their hands on trophies like the Champions League for the club, below we salute five Gunners legends who turned it on in an Arsenal shirt since the turn of the century.
Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp, a player many older Gunners were lucky enough to see, is criminally ignored when some Arsenal fans name their best-Gunners XI teams. The Dutchman was a magician, with his near-decade-long career for the London giants showcasing his natural ability with almost every touch of the ball. Bergkamp made the game look easy, which was perhaps perfectly exhibited when he scored that unique goal against Newcastle. Footballers are more robotic these days and have largely had their individuality coached out of them. In the past, players like Dennis Bergkamp were left to their own devices as their elegance required.
Martin Keown
The likes of Sol Campbell and Tony Adams tend to dominate defender-themed debates among the Arsenal fanbase, but Martin Keown shouldn’t be forgotten. A leader in his own right who loved a battle against some of the Premier League’s finest-ever forwards, Keown was a key part of the 2001-02 double-winning campaign.
Cesc Fabregas
When it comes to influential midfield players who could almost do it all, many Gunners will understandably refer to Patrick Vieira. However, there is a strong argument that Cesc Fabregas had more all-around ability than the legendary Gunners captain. Both players are undisputed Arsenal icons, but the product of the esteemed La Masia academy was far more of a creative force. Breaking into the Gunners team as a teenager speaks for itself. While one piece of silverware to his name and the fact he eventually joined rivals Chelsea perhaps goes against him, there is no denying just how exceptional Cesc Fabregas was.
Thierry Henry
It’s fair to say Arsenal doesn’t possess a player close to Thierry Henry’s ability right now. These days, when half-time comes, fans are either checking their fantasy football teams or playing popular titles like online blackjack. In the past, though, Gunners fans wondered how Thierry Henry did it for a more free-flowing Arsenal team. Since his arrival in 1999, Henry’s potential was clear, but he did have some improvements to make. Under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, Henry grew into a truly world-class professional, eventually winning two league titles and three FA Cups with the Gunners.
Nwankwo Kanu
Arsenal has had several stars with wonderful technique, but not many of them come close to Nwankwo Kanu in terms of outrageous skills. A lanky player with a soft touch, Kanu led the team to two Premier League titles and will always be remembered for his unique style, which will probably never be seen again.