8. Gilles Grimandi
Steve Morton/EMPICS SportHaving played for Arsene Wenger at Monaco, the French manager knew exactly what he was getting when he signed Gilles Grimandi for Arsenal in 1997. A player who simply revelled in the physical side of the game, Grimandi turned out at centre midfield, centre back and right back during his five years with the Gunners. In a team blessed with glamorous stars, such as Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pires, Grimandi was the self confessed water carrier. He was happy to do the dirty work and get stuck in when the situation merited it. He was very much an unsung hero, he tackled and grafted his way into the side, something the fans appreciated. Grimandi still works at Arsenal and is now a scout at the club. Focusing mainly on French players,
he is credited with bringing Samir Nasri to Arsenal back in 2008. While he may have mellowed now, there is no denying that during his pomp Grimandi was one of the hardest men in the Arsenal squad.