Best Arsenal Defenders Ever
Best Arsenal defenders ever? Which Arsenal players have been the best defenders ever? Tony Adams is considered by most as the best Arsenal defender ever. Watch & Bet here =>
But who else from Arsenal makes the list? Hopefully, this list installs some nostalgia in Arsenal fans looking back at some of the best Arsenal defenders. Here we will look at the best Arsenal defenders ever to have played for the club.
Note: We are listing the top players in each position (centre-half, right-back and left-back) but they are in no particular order.
Best Arsenal Left-Backs Ever
Greatest Arsenal left-back ever? Who are the best Arsenal left-backs ever? Here we will look at the best Arsenal left-backs ever.
Ashley Cole – Best Arsenal Defenders Ever
In a time when the role of a fullback was transitioning into the one it is today, Ashley Cole became a pioneer during his time Arsenal.
The former England international spent 8 years with the Gunners and was a key player in the club’s Invincible 2003/04 season.
He was influencing the side with his elite attacking talents as a defender. Cole’s left foot paired with his pace on the wings was dangerous on the counter-attacks and was very tough for the opposition to handle.
Before moving out to Chelsea to cause outrage amongst the club’s fans, the Englishman collected two league titles and three FA Cup trophies with Arsenal.
Nigel Winterburn
Before Ashley Cole, the one who was causing havoc from the left flank was Nigel Winterburn. The Englishman played through the late 1980s and all through the ’90s.
Winterburn was skilled both defensively and going forward during his overlapping runs. He netted the ball 12 goals during his 584 appearances for Arsenal.
Although he was recognized for his talents by the Gunners fans, the man only won 2 caps for the England national time. He won the league title three times, the FA Cup twice, a League Cup and a European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Best Arsenal Centre-Backs Ever
Best Arsenal centre-back ever? Let’s have a look at the best Arsenal centre-backs
Tony Adams
Mr Arsenal, the man and the legend himself is regarded as the best defender and the best captain to have ever played for this club.
Not only was his days with the Gunners filled with trophies, but he was also highly impressionable as a footballer. Tony Adams has been an inspirational figure for a lot of people for overcoming alcohol addiction.
The Englishman appeared in 668 matches over nearly a 20-year stretch, spending his entire career with the North London club.
He captained one of the greatest eras of Arsenal football, collecting four league titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Frank McLintock – Best Arsenal Defenders Ever
Frank McLintock’s was signed from Leicester City for £80,000 in October 1964. He ended up making 314 league appearances for Arsenal.
The Scotsman primarily started out as a wingback with the intention of always surging ahead to attack. However, in the 1969/70 season when the Gunners were diseased with multiple injuries to key personnel, McLintock was called up to appear in the centre-half spot, much to his displeasure at first.
He then led the team to the 1970 European Fairs Cup title over Anderlecht. McLintock took over the captain’s armband to win the League Championship and FA Cup double the next season.
He scored a crucial goal in the cup final against Liverpool to draw level and eventually go on to win the match.
Martin Keown
Another name who is on Arsenal’s list of most notable players. He was a Gunner for 9 years, making a record number of appearances for the club.
Keown’s athletic abilities set him apart from other defenders allowing him to bully attackers off the ball. His resolute presence in the Arsenal backline gave the team the winning mentality to chase three league titles and three FA Cups during his tenure.
Best Arsenal Right-Backs
Best Arsenal right-back ever? Who are the best ever Arsenal right-backs? The best ever Arsenal wing-backs?
Pat Rice – Best Arsenal Defenders Ever
Pat Rice is not as decorated as the rest of the players on this list but he certainly has earned a spot for many reasons.
He surpassed 500 appearances for the Gunners and scored 13 goals as a right-back. The man won the league and FA Cup double in his first season as an Arsenal player.
He was known for his effort on the pitch on a regular basis. Rice might not have been the most talented but his hard work showed on the pitch.
After retiring in 1980, he returned to the club to serve as a youth coach and an assistant coach, shortly taking over as an interim boss as well for a short while.
Lee Dixon – Best Arsenal Defenders Ever
Lee Dixon is fourth in Arsenal’s all-time list of appearance makers. He offered a lot from the right-back position from 1988 to 2000. Watch & Bet here =>
He used to deliver top drawer crosses into the opposition box while also remaining vigilant at the back. The former Stoke City and Burnley player was not just a traditional fullback with a half-decent touch.
Dixon could dribble, pass really well and also scored important goals, racking up 28 during his time with Arsenal. He is also one of the most successful Gunner to have ever played for the side.
See Also…
- Arsenal Managers Who Flopped & Worst Win Percentage: Least Wins Ratio Stats!
- Best Arsenal Midfielders Ever (Best Left, Right, Centre, Attacking & Defensive Midfielders)
- Arsenal Players Wives and Girlfriends (WAGs)
- Arsenal Highest Transfer Fees Paid And Received Ever
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