It’s often forgotten that Arsene Wenger and Arsenal were a hugely dominant force for the first decade of Le Professeur’s reign. In order to achieve such things as the ‘Double’ and something that will never be repeated again, an unbeaten Premier League campaign, the Frenchman had to have the help of several unsung, yet consistent, ‘soldiers’.
GK – Jens Lehmann
An Arsenal 'Invincible', so the German shot-stopper is obviously rated. However, the former Borussia Dortmund 'keeper never seems to enter the discussions when Gunners discuss their best ever goalie because of David Seaman. Source: Standard
RB – Lauren
Classic Wenger move in reinvigorating the Cameroon international from a right-midfielder to a right-back. There always seems to be one underrated full-back in the pairing, and Lauren was that one; Ashley Cole took the plaudits. Source: WP
CB – Kolo Toure
The Ivory Coast centre-back is something of a laughing stock, nowadays. And that has sadly allowed people to forget just how imperious he was during his Arsenal days. Source: Goal
CB – Steve Bould
People often mistake Martin Keown as the man to partner Tony Adams. However, Keown was regularly playing second fiddle during his Arsenal career, and that included to Bould, at one point. Source: talkSPORT
LB – Silvinho
Had a rocket or two in his locker. An underwhelming spell back in England with Manchester City undid some of the rep the former Barcelona man had built up during his time at Highbury. Source: Twitter
RM – Ray Parlour
Parlour deserves a lot of credit for embracing the ways of Arsene Wenger when he revolutionised the club. The Romford Pele was very much an old-school footballer, and could've said 'stuff this'. Instead, the FA Cup Final goalscorer became an undervalued member of Wenger's early successful Arsenal period. Source: Champions Speakers
CM – Gilberto Silva
Arsenal never replaced, Patrick Vieira, they say. But they did, with Gilberto Silva. And that's who they never replaced - until Granit Xhaka, this summer. Source: The Hard Tackle
CM – Edu
Mikel Arteta before Mikel Arteta. Shrewd, important and worthwhile addition that will forever be unrecognised. Source: Twitter
LM – Marc Overmars
Wasn't around long enough to be classed an Arsenal legend, but the Dutchman certainly could've. Loved scoring big and important goals in the blockbuster fixtures. Source: Blog Media
ST – Nwankwo Kanu
The Nigerian had a respectable career with several Premier League clubs. But it took him to leave Arsenal to earn the credit he deserved - hard to when Bergkamp and Henry are ahead you! Source: Static Pulse
ST – Sylvain Wiltord
What might've been for the Frenchman had he not been at Arsenal the same time as Thierry Henry. The definition of a clinical poacher, and forever an Arsenal hero for...WILTORDDDDDDD! Source: CFStatic
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