When Wenger became Arsenal manager in the summer of 1996, he immediately looked for a new midfield enforcer who could take his team to the next level. He saw Vieira as just that, purchasing him from AC Milan, and the gangly Frenchman would go on to become one of the greatest players in the Gunners' history. Vieira was the complete package as a midfielder. He was tall, powerful, elegant, feisty and, most of all, a leader. Although just 20 when he joined Arsenal, he immediately played like someone five or six years older. His form alongside Emmanuel Petit in the middle of the park inspired Wenger's men to the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1997/98, and he would set-up his ponytailed teammate for France's third goal in the 1998 World Cup Final too. When Tony Adams retired in 2002, Vieira was given the Arsenal captaincy, and he simply got even better. There was a point when he was the world's finest central midfielder. He lead the Gunners to a historic unbeaten league season in 2003/04, as they won their third Premier League crown in seven seasons. His tussles with Roy Keane were also legendary. Vieira left Arsenal in 2005, after almost a decade of wonderful service. It was fitting that his final kick for the club was the winning penalty in the FA Cup final shootout against Manchester United. What a player.
