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DM: Gilberto Silva
One of the most underrated Arsenal players of all-time, it would be difficult to find a more rock-solid defensive midfielder in the club's history than Gilberto Silva. The Brazilian did not come to notice much because despite the position he played in. There was no unnecessary aggression or flare.
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He did exactly what he was required to do and maintained his poise and calm. It was due to Silva's incredible performance for Brazil at the 2002 World Cup that convinced Arsene Wenger to sign the midfield ace. He sat deep except for the occasional driving run-ins, sniffed out the danger and neutralized it.
Silva was as important as anyone in that Invincible squad that boasted a remarkable defense having conceded only 26 goals all season long. He also won two FA Cups in his time with the Gunners. Winning the ball with his physical strength and then moving it on without fretting was his trademark.
CM: Patrick Vieira
That the Gunners have since struggled to find the rightful heir to Patrick Vieira is enough to show just how important his presence was at the club. The first foreign player to wear the captain's armband, the Frenchman carved his own legacy at the club.
The intensity and aggression Vieira brought into Arsenal's DNA was crucial to their winning mentality as they conquered it all in England.
The colossal midfielder was the epitome of combativeness on the field. Vieira was at his most dangerous when given the license to roam around freely. He would hold the ball under immense pressure, break free and reach the final-third before anyone knew it.
The World Cup winner won three Premier League titles with Arsenal and four FA Cups as he went on to make 397 appearances for the Gunners.
CM: Cesc Fabregas
Another popular Gunners player who left for greener pastures was Arsene Wenger's golden boy, Cesc Fabregas. At the time of his emergence, the larger opinion was that the Spaniard was the best thing to happen to the Gunners. In 2021, there could be a serious debate over those claims.
However, there is no disputing the fact that he was one of the most technically gifted and elegant players who ever represented Arsenal. Wenger lured him away from Barcelona's La Masia academy in 2003 and was sure he had found a gem.
Fabregas became a fan favorite and even went on to captain the side aged just 21, making him the second youngest skipper in the club's history. The skilled midfielder was silky with the ball at his feet and showed a great sense of dynamism. The Spaniard could control the midfield all by himself.
Unfortunately, he only won two trophies at Arsenal, the FA Cup and the Community Shield. Fabregas had the intelligence to vary the tempo of the game. In many ways, he was the reason why Arsenal started playing the aesthetically pleasing passing game they are known for.
