Arsenal: 30 Greatest Players Of All Time

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20. Martin Keown

Another player out of the exceptional defense of the ’90s under George Graham and Arsene Wenger, Martin Keown was not, by his admission, the most talented player in the world. He is, however, the quintessential tough, hard working center half that England has developed throughout history. Keown was a regular starter at various points throughout his Arsenal career, playing alongside Tony Adams, Lee Dixon, and Nigel Winterburn.

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Known for his aggressive style of play, Keown was unsympathetic to opposing strikers, physically dominating them throughout the 90 minutes. He was not elegant, on or off the ball, but he was extremely effective, and the longevity of his career pays testament to such effectiveness.

Signed by Don Howe on a schoolboy contract in the late ’80s, Keown struggled to break into the first team until his second stint with the Gunners in 1993. He did not feature in Arsenal’s 1993 cup double season but was vital in Wenger’s 1998 double winning season.

The English international continued to play alongside Tony Adams right up until Adams’ retirement in 2002. Keown was eventually let go in the summer of 2004, having won three FA Cups and three Premier League titles, including the invincible season of 2004. Keown was a regular starter for nearly a decade in an Arsenal shirt and is celebrated as a fan favorite for his dedication and commitment throughout his career.

Next: 19. Cesc Fabregas