Many countries groom their talents from a young age so when they become older they can flourish on the big stage. Clubs like Arsenal have brought in and supplied talents from around the world; Germany, United States, and even Romania. Every week I will be looking at the top five players from nations who’ve played for Arsenal. This week I’ll be looking at the best played from United Kingdom, which includes England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
5. Alex James
The Gunners won a hat-trick of titles from 1933-35, where there was no limit to the creativity and vision in the team at the time. The captain, Alex James, was one of them with that creativity and flair. James was the one who orchestrated the attack, making perceptive and astute passes. He was common to other great Scottish footballers, having an ego and playing with swagger. He thrilled crowds with his dribbling skills, body feints, and his attitude toward the game. He was just a pleasure to see and play. He retired from football in 1937. He finished his career at Highbury with 261 matches played with the Arsenal badge and 27 goals scored credited to him.
4. Lee Dixon
A regular first team player for 13 years out of 15 is enough to say that he was a great at Arsenal. During his time he completed two domestic doubles, a Cup Winners’ Cup, and two additional titles. He was one of the pioneers of the attacking fullback, adapting perfectly under the philosophy of Arsène Wenger after George Graham was sacked for accepting illegal payments. Dixon was well known for his positioning and tight defending, so tight that opponents had to take risks that it was inevitable for Dixon to not intercept or regain possession. His defense was good, but something different about him from all other fullbacks was his attacking talent. His overlaps and crossing enhanced Arsenal’s attacking options and terrorized defenses. His Arsenal career ended with 619 matches for the Gunners.
3. David Seaman
David Seaman was one of the best goalkeepers in history. His great agility, athleticism, positional awareness, sound judgement, concentration, and consistency led to great performances and great moments in football history where he showed his class. Even at the age of 40, he pulled off one of the greatest saves in history, at a stage where he was unwanted by England and beginning to be on the way out of Highbury. “Safe Hands” was the much deserved nickname given to Seaman and he eventually finished his career with 564 matches under his belt for the Gunners, winning nine major trophies.
2. Ian Wright
Once Arsenal’s top goalscorer before a certain Thierry Henry came along. He was signed from Crystal Palace for a club record fee. When he joined, the club was filled with fantastic attacking options, including Alan Smith and Kevin Campbell. Wright scored on his debut, and from there history was made. He was a supremely talented poacher, an expert in one-on-one situations, and often wore down defenders from his pure irritation when attacking. He was top scorer for club and league in many seasons, including his first with Arsenal. After the arrival of Dennis Bergkamp, he was reignited and made a perfect partnership. The memories of him dominating and terrorizing defenses during the 90’s will not be forgotten. He began to age and was not the same striker he was before, joining West Ham United. He ended his Arsenal career with an astounding ratio of 185 goals in 288 appearances. Club legend.
1. Tony Adams
His adversity, alcoholism, and abuse may not have been his best attributes off the pitch, but he was loved for what he did on it. At age 21, he became captain of the club. He was mocked by opposing fans making donkey sounds following an own goal. Daily Mirror added donkey’s ears on his photograph when scoring the own goal. He established himself as one of the best defenders in English history, and in my opinion the best player in Arsenal’s history. He wasn’t loved by everyone until he stopped drinking and not being a gentlemen, but his football skills were already the same the decade before. He was a tough, demanding, and commanding defender in the air as well as on the ground. A graceful and smooth footballer, but it was his personality that made him a fierce competitor. He was even admired by Sir Alex Ferguson:
“I can’t wait for him to retire. Adams was a Manchester United man playing in the wrong strip.”
—
As we have seen now, the United Kingdom has provided Arsenal some of the greatest players and perhaps the greatest moments in English football history. In recent times, the top clubs in Premier League are filled with foreign talents who are winning titles and dropping England’s future stars on to the bench. AtArsenal, it is the same case, with Wenger bringing in Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, and possibly further talent. But nonetheless, Arsenal and the Three Lions’ future is still bright. Who is next to break onto the list of legends, perhaps a certain Jack Wilshere?
