#4 Freddy Ljungberg
Karl Fredrik Ljungberg commonly referred to as “Freddy” Ljungberg, was a little-known 21-year-old winger playing for Halmstads BK, to most of the world in 1999. But the omniscient Arsene Wenger decided to sign the then young creative player for £3 million.
Wenger had previously told scouts to keep an eye on Ljungberg, but after watching the player’s performance for Sweden against England, Wenger was convinced he could play against British opposition. He authorised the signing shortly after the game. Ljungberg’s impact was instant, and he scored on his debut against Manchester United, after coming on as a substitute.
Wenger’s signing was proving crucial, as Ljungberg posed a deadly combination of wingers with Robert Pires plying his trade on the let and the Swede taking charge on the right.. Ljungberg scored regularly and helped Arsenal win the double that year. He was also an integral part of Arsenal’s ‘invincibles’ season and won a total of 8 major trophies with the North London club including 2 Premier League titles, 3 FA cups, and 3 FA Charity Shields.
In 2008, arsenal.com’s 50 greatest Arsenal players placed him in 11th position.
All in all, he made 313 appearances for the Gunners and has a certain place in Gunners’ folklore. Arsene Wenger had delivered again.
