Arsenal: 30 Greatest Players Of All Time

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27. Frank McLintock

Arriving for a club record £80, 000, Frank McLintock certainly came with a lot of expectation on his shoulders. When he signed in 1964, McLintock struggled to adapt to the new system deployed by Billy Wright. Playing in central midfield in his first few years at Highbury, McLintock struggled greatly, as did Arsenal. It wasn’t until a change in coaches and a change in position that the Scottish international was able to display his true quality.

McLintock was named Arsenal’s Player of the Year in 1968, and under the tutelage of Bertie Mee, McLintock’s standards increased again, along with gaining the club captaincy and moving back to center half as his legs waned due to his older age.

This change in position was the making of a world class player, as McLintock captained Arsenal to the Fairs Cup ( the equivalent of the Europa League) in 1970, and then onto the one of the most successful seasons in Arsenal history, winning the league and cup double in 1971.

The team, under Mee, was built on hard work and defensive solidarity, encapsulated by the qualities of McLintock. However, when assistant Don Howe left in the summer of 71, the success of this Arsenal side tailed off, and as the captain’s age increased, his prominent role in the squad diminished. He was, however, the leader of an excellent Arsenal side, and that is why he makes this list.

Next: 26. George Armstrong