The Arsenal manager celebrated 20 years in charge of the Gunners on Thursday.
Picture Supplied by Action Images
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has named Arsene Wenger’s best ever XI in the Daily Star as the Gunners boss celebrates 20 years in charge at the club.
The Frenchman celebrated his 20th anniversary in charge of the Gunners on Thursday.
In that time he has made 116 signings in total, all with varying levels of success. While there have been the likes of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, there have also been the likes of Francis Jeffers and Denilson.
His greatest side was arguably the Invincibles team of 2003/04, which went a whole season unbeaten on their way to winning the title.
And unsurprisingly Smith’s best ever Wenger XI for the Daily Star features several from that team.
Arsene Wenger celebrates winning the Premier League and the FA Cup with captain Tony Adams
In goal he elects to go with England legend David Seaman, who made 564 appearances and won eight major trophies for Arsenal.
His defence is comprised of Ashley Cole at left back, Laurent Koscielny and Tony Adams at centre back and Lee Dixon at right back.
In midfield, Patrick Vieira is partnered by Cesc Fabregas in the centre of the park, while Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires occupy the wings.
Up front there are no surprises as the former forward partners Thierry Henry with Dennis Bergkamp.
Arsene Wenger celebrates winning the Premier League title with Patrick Vieira at the end of their famous Invincibles season
Five notable absences:
Sol Campbell – Signed on a free transfer from rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a controversial switch, Campbell was part of a side that won three FA Cup and two Premier League titles, as well as being part of the Invincibles.
Emmanuel Petit – Signed from Monaco, Wenger turned Petit into of the world’s best ever central midfielders. He won the Premier League and the FA Cup with Arsenal, as well as the World Cup with France.
Gilberto Silva – Signed for just £4.5 million the Brazilian played a key role in the Invincibles side that went a season unbeaten on their way to the title.
Robin van Persie – After being beset by injuries early in his Arsenal career, Van Persie became a goal machine for the Gunners with 132 goals in 278 games.
Nicholas Anelka – After arriving from PSG for £500,000 Anelka became a star at Highbury with 28 goals in 98 games helping Arsenal to a league and cup double in 1998. They eventually sold him to Real Madrid for £22.3 million.
Thierry Henry celebrates goal v Liverpool 2004
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
