Mikel Arteta had an excellent career at Everton and has thrived since leaving as well and is not the only player on this list to do so. Originally signed on loan and then later in a permanent £2m deal, Arteta was a key player under David Moyes. He was at first seen as a replacement for Danish defensive midfielder Thomas Gravesen and helped to play a vital part in the clubs Champions League qualification, although Villarreal later knocked them out in the third qualifying round. In his first full season at Goodison Park he was voted as both Fans and Player player of the season and was a key component in nearly all of Evertons attacking football. He left Goodison Park for Arsenal in 2011, at the time stating that he didnt have much time left to take a chance like the one being given to him. By the following year he had been elected as the club vice captain by manager Arsene Wenger following the departure of Robin Van Persie, and helped the side to their 17th consecutive top four finish by the seasons end. He would play a key role in their run to the FA Cup final the following year, scoring a penalty against former club Everton and then Wigan in the semi finals, captaining the team as they beat Hull City 3-2 at Wembley. He has since been named Arsenal captain for the 2014 season, another impressive stat to prove he has flourished since leaving Everton.
