#2 Nicolas Anelka
It's actually twenty years ago this week that Arsene Wenger snapped up a 17-year-old French forward from PSG who would later go on to earn the title 'Le Sulk'. Dubbed in this way for his frequent fall-outs on and off the pitch, Anelka's playing ability was, unlike his attitude, never a disappointment.
During his two-year spell in North London, the Frenchman scored 23 goals in 65 appearances, having been signed up for a mere £500,000. A long-term injury to first-choice forward Ian Wright in the 1997/98 season opened the door for Anelka, still in his teens, to get some first-team football under his belt. He capitalised on the opportunity and was a key
component of an Arsenal side which went on to win the league and FA Cup double that season.
(Video Courtesy: LINUSHJOHANSEN YouTube Channel)
After navigating his way through five more clubs, which all combined splashed out more than £70 million on the player, Anelka returned to London to play for Chelsea. It would be here that he’d play more games than at any other outfit during his career. The Frenchman would also win his second EPL trophy with the Blues in the 2009/10 campaign.
