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Arsenal have had a storied history of being home to some of the greatest players of all time. Under the reigns of George Graham and Arsene Wenger, Gunners fans have been privileged to see world-class football. Many talented players have been either brought in or produced by the club over the past four decades.
Some of these players have been successful even after leaving Arsenal, with the club's youth academy having a history of producing some great talent over the years. Even though the club is now in a rebuilding phase, the Gunners fans still have high expectations. That is because of the kind of football they have been treated to over the years.
This list will rank the five greatest players to have ever played for Arsenal. It should be noted that the list will take into consideration the player's career as a whole, and not just his stint with the Gunners. So without further ado, here are
The 5 greatest players of all time to have played for Arsenal
#5 Tony Adams (1983-2002) - 669 appearances
Can't make a list of Arsenal players without mentioning 'Mr. Arsenal' himself. Tony Adams was a one-club player and one of the greatest English defenders of all time.
A tall, rugged footballer, Adams was a leader on the pitch and was known for his 'no nonsense' style of defending. He was also tactically astute and became better in the technical aspect of the game under Arsene Wenger's tutelage. Under the Frenchman, Adams evolved into one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the league. He was often able to bring the ball up from defense and help start attacks for his team.
The centre-back played across three decades at Arsenal and, weirdly enough, captained the team to at least one league title in each of them. He also won three FA Cups and a European Cup Winner's Cup during his tenure. Adams was also the captain of the England national team, making 66 appearances for the Three Lions.
Individually speaking, Adams has been named in the Premier League's Team of the Century (1907-2007). He was also named in the Team of the Decade (1992-93 to 2001-02) and is in the English Football Hall of Fame. He will forever be loved by Arsenal for his loyalty and his contributions to the club.
#4 Dennis Bergkamp (1995-2006) - 407 appearances
A player who found a bit of success before his Arsenal career, Dennis Bergkamp was a product of Ajax's famed academy. He helped the club win the Eredivisie, European Cup Winner's Cup and UEFA Cup during his stint there. The forward then moved to Inter Milan, where he would add another UEFA Cup to his resume, before joining Arsenal in 1995.
Bergkamp was signed by club manager Bruce Rioch for a then club-record fee of £7.5 million. Despite having a slow start to his career at the club, Bergkamp went on to become arguably Arsenal's greatest player of all time.
The "Non-Flying Dutchman," as he was affectionately called, was untouchable in terms of his ability on the ball. Bergkamp just glided past defenders like they weren't there and his first touch and control of the ball is the stuff of legends.
At Arsenal, Bergkamp won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, along with a slew of individual honors, including the FWA Footballer of the Year and the PFA Player's Player of the Year. The only reason the Dutchman is so low on the list is because he never had any success with the Netherlands national team.
Bergkamp retired at Arsenal in 2006 and will always be one of the classiest players to ever grace the sport.
#3 Cesc Fabregas (2003-2011) - 304 appearances
A player who found most of his success after leaving Arsenal, Cesc Fabregas came to the club as a youngster from Barcelona. He soon evolved into one of the best Premier League midfielders of all time.
Fabregas quickly became a fan favorite during his stint at Arsenal, enduring himself to the supporters with his energy in midfield and quality on the ball. The Spaniard soon found himself as the heartbeat of the team, with Arsene Wenger building his side around the midfielder following the departure of Thierry Henry.
Fabregas' ability on the ball and his incredible passing vision saw him become one of Europe's hottest commodities. That, mixed with Arsenal's lack of silverware, saw the Spaniard depart the club and re-join Barcelona.
At his boyhood club, Fabregas would go onto win the La Liga title, Copa Del Rey and UEFA Super Cup. The Spaniard would then make a controversial move to Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea. He won two Premier League titles and an FA Cup there, to add to the one he won with Arsenal back in 2005.
Fabregas would also shine on the international stage, being an integral part of Spain's golden generation, winning the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
Individually speaking, Fabregas has been named in the UEFA Team of the Year twice and is currently 2nd in the Premier League's all-time assists chart.
#2 Patrick Vieira (1996-2005) - 396 appearances
Patrick Vieira became a superstar at Arsenal and remained one for the majority of his career after leaving the club. One of the most complete midfielders of all time, the Frenchman dominated the center of the park whenever he played.
Vieira's physical attributes, matched with his aggression, mobility and technical prowess on the ball, made him a menace in midfield. The Frenchman could play as a box-to-box midfielder or in a more defensive role. He ran the game from his position, which allowed the more creative players in Arsene Wenger's side to flourish.
Vieira won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal before leaving the club for Juventus in 2005. While in Italy, the midfielder would go on to win three Scudetto's with Inter Milan, before returning to England to add another FA Cup to his resume with Manchester City. The Frenchman also has a World Cup and European Championship to his name.
Individually speaking, Vieira was named the French Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season in 2001. The Frenchman was also included in six Premier League Teams of the Year as well as in the Premier League's Team of the Decade (1992-93 to 2001-02).
Arsenal have never been able to replace Patrick Vieira, and it is highly unlikely that they will ever be able to find a player like him.
#1 Thierry Henry (1999-2007) - 376 appearances
Thierry Henry is widely regarded as the best Premier League player of all time and for good reason. The Frenchman was simply unstoppable during his tenure at Arsenal.
Henry joined the club as a winger from Juventus, but left as one of the best strikers to ever play the game. His pace, strength, finishing, shooting and ability on the ball made him one of the most complete forwards of all time. Watching the Frenchman play was like watching poetry in motion.
While at Arsenal, Henry won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups along with a multitude of individual accolades. Henry then moved onto Barcelona in 2007, where he would win the Champions League, along with two La Liga titles and one Copa Del Rey. At international level, Henry would finish his career as France's all-time top scorer and win one World Cup and one European Championship.
Henry is not only one of Arsenal's greatest players, but the Frenchman is one of the greatest players of all time. Va Va Voom indeed.
