Arsene Wenger managed a number of world-class players when he was at the helm at Arsenal.
The legendary Frenchman spent over two decades in North London. He is our greatest-ever manager and is the biggest reason why Arsenal are so big across the globe today.
Wenger’s eye for talent was arguably better than anyone else’s in the game. He knew how to develop young players into superstars, and he did that on multiple occasions.
One player he gave an opportunity to at a very young age went on to become one of the best defenders the Premier League has ever seen. Wenger has heaped praise on him now.
Arsene Wenger says former Arsenal player is the best left-back in Premier League history
At one point or another, Arsenal had the best player in each position in the entire Premier League.
Thierry Henry is the greatest striker this country has ever seen, and Patrick Vieira is right up there with the best midfielders in the history of the English top-flight.
The likes of Tony Adams and Sol Campbell spring to mind when we’re talking about legendary defenders, while both David Seaman and Jens Lehmann are up there with the very best goalkeepers.
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Arsene Wenger has now claimed that he had the best left-back in the history of the Premier League as well – Ashley Cole.
After the Englishman was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, Wenger hailed him and ranked him higher than anyone else.
He said: “In England, he has a high level of consideration and appreciation. Time will heal the wounds, and he will be recognised as one of the great defenders of Arsenal Football Club.
“He’s in a good position, and I’m happy for him. Recently we had a meeting with the 2003/04 Invincibles team, and he is back with the team now. I was very happy that he’s in there and back to where he belongs.”
When asked if Cole is the best left-back in Premier League history, Wenger said: “It’s always difficult to make a hierarchy, but he’s certainly the best.”
Arsene Wenger’s biggest regret as Arsenal manager
Arsene Wenger spent 22 years as the manager of Arsenal, and we’re sure he regrets many decisions he made during that time.
However, the Frenchman has publicly admitted that his biggest-ever regret involves Ashley Cole.
Arsenal sold the England left-back to Chelsea for just £5 million plus William Gallas in 2006. Cole went on to achieve great things at Stamford Bridge, and Wenger regrets it even to this day.
“Of the players who left Arsenal who had a very big career after leaving Arsenal, I would say Ashley Cole, he was the only one who moved on and improved his career, Wenger said in September 2023.
“It was a regret of my life.”