HomeNewsWenger’s Favourite XI: Frenchman’s Most Selected Side From 20 Years At Arsenal

Wenger’s Favourite XI: Frenchman’s Most Selected Side From 20 Years At Arsenal

By Anirban Das

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Arsene Wenger

professor-wengerProfessor Arsene Wenger has recently completed 20 years at Arsenal – an incredible journey of joy and frustration. It was during the summers of 1996 when the Gunners sacked Bruce Rioch and appointed an unknown Frenchman, who went on to become the best that the club has witnessed till date.

The French tactical genius was appointed as the Arsenal manager on 22nd September, 1996 but he officially assumed the role on 1st October 1996.

The legendary Gunners boss would look forward to celebrate his grandiloquent achievement with a win over Burnley on Sunday.

wengerWenger will be hoping to celebrate his monumental achievement with victory over Burnley on Sunday after taking charge on October 1 1996.

The Frenchman was gifted with a commemorative vase by Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick as a token of remembrance to honour his 20-year-old journey with the North London club.

wengerWenger has earned huge accolades for his tactical ingenuity on the field and for roping in fresh talents – who went on to become world-class legends. However, the professor has at times drawn huge criticism for losing out on his transfer targets in the recent past along with the existing title drought – which has not gone down well with the fans.

Stars have come and gone during the Frenchman’s 20-year reign, and here we pick his most-favoured XI – top 11 players that Wenger picked the most during his long journey – of joy and frustration.

GOALKEEPER: David Seaman (1996-2003)

The English goalkeeper has been Arsene Wenger’s most selected goalkeeper.
The English goalkeeper has been Arsene Wenger’s most selected goalkeeper.

Games: 244

Goals: 0

Trophies: Premier League (2), FA Cup (3), Community Shield (3)

RIGHT-BACK: Bacary Sagna (2007-2014)

For years, Wenger have showered have unconditional trust upon right-back Bacary Sagna.
For years, Wenger have showered have unconditional trust upon right-back Bacary Sagna.

Games: 285

Goals: 5

Trophies: FA Cup

CENTRE-BACK: Martin Keown (1996-2004)

Football aficionados are well aware about the great relationship between Wenger and Martin Keown.
Football aficionados are well aware about the great relationship between Wenger and Martin Keown.

Games: 265

Goals: 5

Trophies: Premier League (3), FA Cup (3), Community Shield (3)

CENTRE-BACK: Kolo Toure (2002-2009)

For years, Toure had been one of the defensive pillars in Wenger’s squad.
For years, Toure had been one of the defensive pillars in Wenger’s squad.

Games: 326

Goals: 14

Trophies: Premier League, FA Cup (2), Community Shield (2)

LEFT-BACK: Gael Clichy (2003-2011)

Gael Clichy played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s defensive line-up before moving away to Manchester City.
Gael Clichy played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s defensive line-up before moving away to Manchester City.

Games: 258

Goals: 2

Trophies: Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield

RIGHT-WING: Theo Walcott (2006-current)

Theo Walcott has been one of the most effective weapons for Wenger, despite receiving criticisms for inconsistency in form in the recent past. However, the English winger has stepped up his game this season and proved his mettle to secure a place in the first-season.
Theo Walcott has been one of the most effective weapons for Wenger, despite receiving criticisms for inconsistency in form in the recent past. However, the English winger has stepped up his game this season and proved his mettle to secure a place in the first-team.

Games: 353

Goals: 90

Trophies: FA Cup (2), Community Shield

CENTRAL-MIDFIELDER: Cesc Fabregas (2003-2011)

Cesc Fabregas started his journey with the North London club as a youth prospect and convinced Wenger to gradually become an integral part of the squad during his 8-year stint at the club, before moving to Barcelona.
Cesc Fabregas started his journey with the North London club as a youth prospect and convinced Wenger to gradually become an integral part of the squad during his 8-year stint at the club, before moving to Barcelona.

Games: 302

Goals: 58

Trophies: FA Cup, Community Shield

CENTRE-MID: Patrick Vieira (1996-2005)

Vieira joined the Gunners from AC Milan for £3.5m in 1996 and was later sold to Juventus for £13.5m in 2006. The French player was Wenger’s first iconic signing and still remains one of the best-ever signings made by Arsenal. Vieira was the driving force in midfield during the most successful years of Wenger’s reign.
Vieira joined the Gunners from AC Milan for £3.5m in 1996 and was later sold to Juventus for £13.5m in 2006.
The French player was Wenger’s first iconic signing and still remains one of the best-ever signings made by Arsenal. Vieira was the driving force in midfield during the most successful years of Wenger’s reign.

Games: 374

Goals: 9

Trophies: Premier League (3), FA Cup (4), Community Shield (4)

LEFT-WING: Freddie Ljunberg (1998-2007)

Freddie Ljunberg is another major Arsenal signing who bagged plenty of silverware during the most successful years of Wenger’s reign.
Freddie Ljunberg is another major Arsenal signing who bagged plenty of silverware during the most successful years of Wenger’s reign.

Games: 317

Goals: 71

Trophies: Premier League (2), FA Cup (3), Community Shield (3)

STRIKER: Dennis Bergkamp (1996-2006)

A fan favourite but he was not a Arsene Wenger signing. Bergkamp’s arrival at Emirtaes was the one of the most worth mentioning aspects in Bruce Rioch's brief spell. The Dutch player paved the way for all the success that came later. He played a pivotal role in guiding the team to three Premier League title triumphs.
A fan favourite but he was not a Arsene Wenger signing. Bergkamp’s arrival at Emirtaes was the one of the most worth mentioning aspects in Bruce Rioch’s brief spell. The Dutch player paved the way for all the success that came later. He played a pivotal role in guiding the team to three Premier League title triumphs.

Games: 346

Goals: 89

Trophies: Premier League (3), FA Cup (4), Community Shield (3)

STRIKER: Thierry Henry (1999-2007, 2012)

Henry arrived at the North London club from Juventus for £11m in 1999 and later moved to Barcelona in 2007 for £16 m. Thierry Henry signed for Arsenal as a raw talent but after a slow start became the club's leading scorer and arguably the finest centre-forward in Europe. The French player is regarded as Arsenal's greatest-ever player and one of the best ever signings made by Arsene Wenger.
Henry arrived at the North London club from Juventus for £11m in 1999 and later moved to Barcelona in 2007 for £16 m. Thierry Henry signed for Arsenal as a raw talent but after a slow start became the club’s leading scorer and arguably the finest centre-forward in Europe. The French player is regarded as Arsenal’s greatest-ever player and one of the best ever signings made by Arsene Wenger.

Games: 368

Goals: 226

Trophies: Premier League (2), FA Cup (3), Community Shield (2)

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Anirban Das
Anirban Das's journey to Delhi via Kolkata involves football, music, curiosity (which one day can kill the cat) and food. Following global football opens up an infinite space within him in both the conscious and subconscious self, away from the din and bustle of the madding crowd. Supports Manchester United & Barcelona

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