#2 Patrick Vieira
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Before Patrick Vieira joined Arsenal, captained them, and announced himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, he was a struggling player in Milan’s reserves, making only 2 first team appearances. Before that he played for French club Cannes. Nobody but Arsene Wenger could foresee what he would become – a physical specimen few could match for strength and pace, complimenting a footballing brain and technique that marked him out as a special talent.
This curious combination of skill and strength, along with furious desire to make it as a great footballer made Patrick Vieira perfect for the hustle and bustle of the Premier League. And boy did he take the Premier League by storm.
He was the thunder to Thierry Henry’s lightening, and the duo formed the backbone of Arsene Wenger’s team to titles galore. His battles with then Manchester United hardman and skipper Roy Keane is stuff of legends and another Premier League midfield legend Frank Lampard once conceded that Vieira was his toughest opponent.
Vieira won a total of 11 major trophies with Arsenal, and it is a testament to his worth that, though there have been many pretenders to try, Arsenal are still struggling to replace the French midfielder to this day.
