Arsenal Special: Arsene Wenger Has Assembled A Team Of Captains

It always used to be said that the best football teams played as if they had 11 captains. Not just one player calling the shots, but everyone taking responsibility under the guidance of the man with the armband.

In such teams, the leadership shown throughout the team was never a threat to the captain.

The best leaders always have a natural understanding of authority and teamwork and an equally natural respect for the chain of command. And the best teams always have a nucleus of these characters – like the current Arsenal side and many in the past.

This was made very apparent at the weekend when no less than three current Arsenal players captained their national sides in World Cup qualifiers: Thomas Vermaelen (Belgium), Tomas Rosicky (Czech Republic) and Andrey Arshavin (Russia) all wore the armband, while current club captain Cesc Fabregas played for Spain and former captain Thierry Henry was captain of a France team that also included William Gallas, yet another ex-Arsenal skipper.

This shows off Arsenal's culture of responsibility and team spirit, and reflects the traditions of a club that has always developed these qualities and produced a supply of great captains of club and country.

Consider these names (in no particular order): Patrick Vieira, Tony Adams, Frank McLintock, Joe Mercer, Eddie Hapgood, Kenny Sansom, Pat Rice and Tom Parker, not to mention Henry and Fabregas.

Few would argue that they are all great names associated with fine teams and high standards of performance. All were outstanding captains, great leaders and, of course, wonderful footballers. Yet they often played in teams packed with men of great heart, talent, courage and character.

The greatest teams have all of these qualities and it is to Arsenal's credit now that Arsene Wenger's current team is packed with leaders.
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A trophy is needed this season. The fans deserve it.