Best Centre-Back 2: Sol Campbell
With Tony Adams nearing retirement, Arsene Wenger was determined to find a defender that could handle the unenviable task of filling those sizable boots. And he found that defender in the most unlikely of places - behind enemy lines. Sol Campbell had been a mainstay of the Tottenham Hotspur side since the early 1990s, and his hard-tackling, pace and sheer physical presence had made him a hero in the eyes of the Spurs fans. However, the summer of 2001, this reputation changed, as in his desire to experience Champions League football, Campbell joined Arsenal when his contract expired. His stay at his new club was littered with the glory that he aspired to, and from his arrival it was clear that Arsenal had pulled off an almighty coup in acquiring the England player's services. A powerful and intimidating defender, Campbell was a first-team regular from the moment he joined Arsenal, and was soon rewarded for his efforts with Arsenal's double victory in 2002. Campbell would soon follow this immediate success with two more FA Cup triumphs, and being an ever-present in the Unbeatable side of 2003/4, this time partnering the inexperienced but enthusiastic Kolo Toure. Immediately Arsenal fans fell in love with the former Tottenham player, and his dependable performances and likable but ambitious personality swiftly turned him into a favourite of the fans. Unfortunately, his departure from the club was as inauspicious as his arrival, as a loss of form and confidence effected his relationship with the club. However, he left the club with a Champions League final goal to his credit, and would go on to have further success with Portsmouth following his departure. But in his approximately 200 games for Arsenal, it is debatable whether there was a more reliable defender in the league than Sol Campbell.
Other contenders: Kolo Toure, Thomas Vermaelen