Arsenal: 30 Greatest Players Of All Time
3. Tony Adams
The man who is immortalized in bronze was as solid on the pitch as the metal that depicts him. A true one club man, epitomized by his dedication and commitment to the club, Adams is the definition of an Arsenal legend. The leader of the team through ups and downs, Adams was an inspirational captain. His best assets were perhaps off the field. He was the voice of the dressing room, the face of the team.
A 19-year career, all spent at Highbury; Adams captained title-winning sides in three different decades with two different managers. He won all there is to win domestically, leading team after team to success after success. The strong, dependable and solid center-half won four league titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, all as captain of the side. His high level saw him come out on top right up to his retirement, winning the league and cup double in his final season. A truly sensational career, ‘Mr. Arsenal’ will forever be remembered as the greatest defender to ever pull on an Arsenal shirt.
His leadership qualities are only exalted further when his personal issues were brought into the light. Struggling with alcoholism and gambling addiction during the ’80s and early ’90s, Adams eventually publicly declared his issues in 1996. He transformed his life and career and the battles that Adams overcame off and on the pitch only shone further light onto the leadership qualities he possessed. Captain by 21, leader of the dressing for 14 uninterrupted years and the only player to captain a league winning side in three different decades, Adams is the greatest leader ever to step on a football field. It is simply an honor that he stepped on the field in an Arsenal shirt.
Next: 2. Dennis Bergkamp