Squad List
The Players
The following is the team list for the current Arsenal First Team (2007-2008 season). The list includes the Arsenal players names, shirt numbers and a short description about each player. Arsenal players names and shirt numbers are updated regularly - so check back to read about the latest gem that Wenger uncovers.
1. Jens Lehmann - Veteran goalkeeper whose unpredictable temperament is talked about almost as much as his goalkeeping ability. In his first season with the club, Lehmann kept goal in every match of Arsenal’s amazing unbeaten run in the English Premier League. A proven shot-stopper and penalty saving extroadinaire, Lehmann’s biggest weakness lies in dealing with the high ball.
2. Abou Diaby - Recently capped French international who looks set to replace Patrick Vieira as a midfield powerhouse for Arsenal. Like Vieira, Diaby displays a unique combination of tough tackling and skill and finesse and his height and power are an advantage for Arsenal at both attacking and defensive set pieces. Has shown a good ability to finish chances and should be pushing for a starting spot next season.
3. Bacary Sagna - Young French defender who was voted the best right-back in the French Ligue 1 in 2006/07. Many questioned Arsene Wenger’s motives to bring in another right-sided defender but it is clear that Sagna is now first choice with Emmanuel Eboue likely to push on and play as a more attacking player. Pre-season fixtures have shown Sagna to be a fast, powerful defender who is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Perhaps a little more reserved than Eboue, Sagna has shown himself to be a better defender and will surely prove to be a bit hit at Arsenal in his first season.
4. Francesc Fabregas - Teenage Spanish sensation who has become one of Arsenal’s most effective and valuable players. Fabregas was forced into a starting position at the tender age of 17 due to injuries in the Arsenal squad and has since developed into a brilliant creative player. He has great touch, balance and an uncanny ability to choose the correct pass and deliver it with perfection. Sought after by most big clubs around Europe Fabregas has also shown his maturity by signing an eight year deal with the club. Without a doubt the main component for future Arsenal success.
5. Kolo Toure - Lightning-quick Ivory Coast international who started his career at Arsenal as a winger before being converted into an aggressive central defender by Arsene Wenger. Toure is highly respected for his positive attitude and enthusiasm for the game of football and has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers over the past three seasons. Whilst shorter and less naturally aware than a normal central defender Toure makes up for it with his amazing speed and aggressive recovery skills.
6. Philippe Senderos - Young Swiss defender who is seen as many as the natural replacement for Arsenal legend Tony Adams. Senderos has struggled early in his Arsenal career, his lack of pace exposed on a number of occasions, but the hope is that as his overall conditioning improves so will his success as a player. He is a natural leader, a strong tackler and a dangerous proposition from set pieces. Still just 21, he is still very much part of the future.
7. Tomas Rosicky - Gifted Czech midfielder who posseses silky passing abilities and a fierce shot from distance. Rosicky’s signing was confirmed before the World Cup in Germany and his fine individual performances in the tournament had Arsenal fans preparing for a stunning season by “Little Mozart”. Unfortunately, injury has hampered much of his season, but Rosicky has always played well when given the chance, scoring some great goals for the club. He will be looking forward to an exciting 2007-08 season with Arsenal.
9. Eduardo da Silva - Brazilian-born Croatian international striker who was signed from Croatia Zagreb over the summer. Eduardo brings with him a reputation as a penalty-box predator and frighteningly good goalscoring record in the Croatian First Division. Pre-season fixtures have shown him to be a sharp, nimble forward with good touch and natural eye for goal. Will battle out with the likes of Adebayor and Bendtner for a starting position this season, but big things are expected of him.
10. William Gallas - Versatile French defender who joined the club at the end of last season from Premiership rivals Chelsea, Gallas has shown to be one of the leading players in the world in his position. Like many of the Arsenal team, Gallas has struggled for injury this season, but will be a key component for the club come next season. Gallas is extremely quick, a good reader of the play and has an attacking side to his play that Arsenal fans will enjoy if he can stay fit and available. Will prove to be one of Arsenal’s most important players in the 2007-2008 season.
11. Robin van Persie - Outrageously skilfull Dutch international attacker that has drawn comparisons with Arsenal’s previous Dutch maestro Dennis Bergkamp. Before breaking his foot celebrating Thierry Henry’s winner against Manchester United earlier this season van Persie was taking the Premier League by storm, racking up goals and assists at will. Van Persie impresses with his uncanny ability to find space for his thunderous shot and his creative passing and touches of the ball. His return from injury next season will be as good as signing a new player.
13. Alexander Hleb - Belarussian right-midfielder whose electric dribbling skills are as well known as his reluctance to shoot. Hleb has been highly criticised for his poor performances for Arsenal in the past two seasons, but to be fair to the player he has been merely inconsistent as opposed to ineffective. Whilst his passes do not always meet their mark he is an enthusiastic and determined player whose hard work often creates chances for his fellow teammates. There will be question marks over Hleb’s role in next season but there is no doubt that he will again feature strongly on the wing for Arsenal.
15. Denilson - 18-year-old Brazilian who looks a neat-and-tidy player with a good touch and excellent passing ability. Has played a surprisingly large part in his first season with Arsenal, regularly selected by Arsene Wenger and starting several games around mid-season. Is very much looked to as a future regular in Arsenal’s midfield with Fabregas and Diaby and has made good progress since signing from Sao Paolo, tearing apart Liverpool in the 6-3 FA Cup win.
16. Mathieu Flamini - Largely underrated, tough-tackling central midfielder who has also been used as a utility player for Arsenal, slotting into defence and on the wing. Flamini looks likely to move on from Arsenal next season but his consistent contribution should not be underestimated - he was absolutely superb playing at left-back in Arsenal’s run to the Champions League final last season. Has popped up and scored goals at important times this season, most notably against Chelsea in the 1-1 at Stamford Bridge.
17. Alexandre Song - Tough Cameroonian central midfielder who is the nephew of ex-Liverpool star Rigobert Song. Has had a quiet first year with Arsenal, largely down to the fact that he was sent on loan to Charlton for the second part of the season. Has worked hard with the club, impressing in a central role, and has played a big part in staving Charlton away from relegation. Song will be fighting for a starting spot with Diaby and Denilson, but his lack of experience and often panicked nature on the ball probably sees him third in the pecking order.
19. Gilberto Silva - Brazilian World Cup winner who has had one of his best seasons with the club in 2006-07. Was promoted to the role of penalty taker and captain due to Thierry Henry’s ongoing injuries and has improved as a leader as a result. Gilberto Silva, often nicknamed “The Invisible Wall”, usually plays a defensive role just in front of the back four, and has an uncanny ability to read and break down the play at will. Whilst his passing is his greatest asset, his ability to push forward and support the attack has seen his most prolific season since joining the club. Arguably Arsenal’s best player this season.
20. Johan Djourou - At just 20, Swiss international defender Djourou is another member of the current squad who looks like he will play a major part in the future of the Arsenal Football Club. Has been in-and-out of the starting line-up this season and current sits as the fourth-choice central defender for the club. Not the tallest centre-backs around, Djourou’s major assets are his pace, calmness in possession, passing ability and ability to read the play. Should get more opportunities to impress next season and subsequently firm his bidding for a permanent starting position.
21. Lukasz Fabianski - Young Polish goalkeeper who has surely been signed from Legia Warsaw with a long-term Arsenal career in mind. Fabianski appears to have all the attributes to be a successful goalkeeper at Arsenal and his height and shot-stopping ability has been likened to Petr Cech by many Polish football observers. Will probably have to make do with being third choice in his first season at Arsenal but will surely be given more chances with the first team as his career progresses. An exciting prospect.
22. Gael Clichy - 22-year old French left-back who has been a revolation this season for Arsenal. Promoted to a more prominent role with previous left-back Ashley Cole leaving to Chelsea, Clichy has been, along with Gilberto Silva and Cesc Fabregas, one of Arsenal’s most consistent and important players this season. Combines incredible pace and endless stamina in a bid to support the Arsenal attack as often as possible, whilst consistently remaining solid at the back. Is rarely bettered by the opposite winger and is having more and more impact as his career progresses. Has a chance to take his ability to new levels in 2007-2008.
24. Manuel Almunia - Inconsistent second choice goalkeeper who, like Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, excels at shot-stopping but struggles with handling the high ball. His performances when covering for Lehmann have been acceptable, rather than outstanding, with a succession of errors decreasing his chances of challenging the big German as number one at the club. Has rarely appeared for Arsenal this season but, according to reliable sources, has improved behind the scenes and worked on his weaknesses. Could be a surprise selection at number one next season - although this is unlikely.
25. Emmanuel Adebayor - Giant Togolese striker who has been one of Arsenal’s most important players this season in the absence of Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie. Whilst his finishing has not always been clinical, Adebayor’s has endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful by putting in tireless performances up front and carving out chances with his surprising speed and unpredictable dribbling. Likened to former Gunner Nwanko Kanu due to their comparable heights and gangly playing style, Adebayor has every chance to emulate his Nigerian hero and will look forward to a successful 2007-08 season.
27. Emmanuel Eboue - Explosive Ivorian right-back who loves to attack, Eboue was a revolation last season in Arsenal’s run to the Champions League final. Like his opposite wing-back Gael Clichy, Eboue combines explosive speed and a seemingly endless amount of energy to tear up and down the opposition flank. Eboue has often come under criticism for a dip in form this season and an annoying tendency to play-act, as illustrated best in winning the free kick for Sol Campbell’s goal in the Champions League final. If Eboue can get back to the form he knows he is capable of than Arsenal fans will be treated to more exhilarating performances in the future.
30. Armand Traore - A strong, quick, athletic left sided full-back, Armand joined the Arsenal last year after leaving previous club side Monaco. He played six times for the reserves last season, and in the summer he was involved in the first-team’s pre-season tour to Austria, after starting the Dennis Bergkamp Testimonial. He was part of the 17 man squad which travelled to Croatia for the first leg of the Champions League Third Qualifying Round match.
31. Justin Hoyte - Current back-up for Emmanuel Eboue on the right side of defence, Hoyte is defensively more astute than his counterpart but is less capable of going forward. Has always performed admirably when given his chance by Arsene Wenger. Hoyte, along with Senderos, Clichy and Djourou represent the up-and-comers in the Arsenal defence. Is likely to remain a back-up for Eboue throughout the next season and should continue his loyal relationship with the club as his career progresses.
32. Theo Walcott - 18-year-old attacking winger who joined Arsenal from Southampton prior to the World Cup in 2006. Gifted with explosive pace and a silky skills, Walcott has, in essence, all the trademarks of an modern day Arsenal player and has been likened to club captain Thierry Henry as a consequence. Whilst his first season with the club has been underwhelming due to the amount of hype surrounding his transfer, fans where given a hint of his potential when he netted his first goal for Arsenal against Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final. Could be a revelation next season for Arsenal if he remains fit.
