Arsenal: 30 Greatest Players Of All Time

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29. Alan Smith

Alan Smith was a true goalscorer, in every sense of the word. A big, bruising center forward, a nightmare for opposition center backs, Smith was a threat at all times, especially aerially. Standing at 6-foot-3, Smith was truly exceptional in the air, famous for his flick-ons and headed passes. Joining Arsenal from Leicester City in 1987, Smith was expected to take the starting role in George Graham’s physical brand of football. The strong, physical style of play suited Smith down to the ground, playing as the focal point in the Arsenal side in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

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Smith duly delivered on expectations, scoring 115 goals in 347 total career games while at Arsenal. But was in the team for much more than his goals. Similar to strikers like Olivier Giroud and Harry Kane, Smith impacted games much more than simply scoring goals. His hold up play was excellent. His ability to occupy both center-halves was second to none. Smith allowed other players to play. That, perhaps, is his greatest asset.

His most famous moment in an Arsenal shirt occurred in Arsenal’s greatest moment. Needing to go to Anfield and win by two goals to secure the 1989 league title, Smith had one of his best games. He scored the first and set up Micheal Thomas in the dying moments to win the league. In one of the most pressured and dramatic games in Arsenal history, Alan Smith performed at his highest level. Arsenal’s top scorer for four seasons, Alan Smith was an outstanding Gunner, and well deserves to be mentioned with being best of all time.

Next: 28. Freddie Ljungberg