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Patrick Vieira Names Combined Arsenal XI Featuring Invincibles and Current Stars
Patrick Vieira has selected a combined Arsenal XI made up of stars from the legendary 2003-04 Invincibles squad and the current side managed by Mikel Arteta, sparking fresh debate among football fans over which generation is superior.
The former Arsenal captain made the selections while appearing on Monday Night Football after Arsenal’s crucial 1-0 victory over Burnley, with the North London club edging closer to their first Premier League title since the Invincibles era under Arsène Wenger.
Vieira acknowledged that comparisons between both squads have become increasingly relevant because of Arsenal’s impressive campaign and their push for both Premier League and Champions League glory.
“I think this is a good debate,” Vieira said. “If they manage to win the league and the Champions League, you will have to compare the two generations.”
In goal, Vieira surprisingly chose current Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya ahead of Invincibles shot-stopper Jens Lehmann. Raya has enjoyed a remarkable season and is reportedly close to breaking Arsenal’s Premier League clean-sheet record.
At right-back, Jurrien Timber was preferred to Lauren, while legendary left-back Ashley Cole retained his place in the side.
In central defence, Vieira selected Sol Campbell alongside Gabriel Magalhães, overlooking both Kolo Touré and William Saliba.
The midfield featured Vieira himself partnered with Declan Rice, with the Frenchman jokingly insisting he would remain captain of the team.
On the wings, current Arsenal star Bukayo Saka earned a place ahead of Freddie Ljungberg, while Invincibles icon Robert Pirès kept his spot on the left flank.
Up front, Vieira stayed loyal to Arsenal’s iconic strike partnership of Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry.
Vieira’s Combined Arsenal XI (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
- Defenders: Jurrien Timber, Sol Campbell, Gabriel Magalhães, Ashley Cole
- Midfielders: Bukayo Saka, Patrick Vieira, Declan Rice, Robert Pirès
- Forwards: Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry
Vieira also praised Arteta’s transformation of the Arsenal squad, highlighting the progress the club has made in recent years.
“He did a really good job taking the team from where it was to where it is today,” Vieira said.
Despite Arsenal’s current achievements, Vieira stopped short of calling Arteta’s side the greatest Arsenal team ever, even if they complete a historic Premier League and Champions League double this season.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher also weighed in, insisting that while a potential double would represent Arsenal’s greatest achievement, it would not necessarily make them a better side than the Invincibles.
Arsenal are now preparing for a huge UEFA Champions League final clash against Paris Saint-Germain as they continue their pursuit of silverware.
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