Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been in the public spotlight due to his inactivity in the summer transfer window. Struggling to make a marque signing for the new season, people have questioned the managers transfer beliefs.
In previous years Wenger has been guilty of selling his best players and not replacing them with big signings, despite having the money.
In the season of 2008-2009 the Arsenal boss had one of his strongest teams that did not win any silverware, and failed to build on it seasons after.
Taking that into consideration, we decided to take a look back at that Gunner’s side and see where the players are now in the world of football.
Goalkeeper – Manuel Almunia
Current side – Watford
The 36-year-old goalkeeper is a part of Gianfranco Zola’s set up at Watford. With his help the Championship side managed to reach the play-off final in his first season, but failed to beat Crystal Palace at the last hurdle. Watford are expected to challenge for promotion again this season.
Right Back – Bacary Sagna
Current side – Arsenal
Bacary Sagna is one of the only players still playing under Arsene Wenger to date. Cementing the right back position as his own, Sagna has become an important piece in his manager’s game plan.
Centre Back – Kolo Toure
Current side – Liverpool
Kolo Toure joined Liverpool this year in the summer on a free transfer to tighten up things at the back. The experienced centre back has steered his side to two clean sheets so far this season, and looks like reaching the potential he showed while at the Gunners.
Centre Back – William Gallas
Current side – Free Agent
William Gallas left Arsenal for major rivals Tottenham in the 2010-2011 season and play for Harry Redknapp. The experienced centre back played a number of times for Spurs but his career has come to a small halt due to several injuries over the last few years. Tottenham let the defender go and new boys Crystal Palace are interested in the player.
Left Back – Gael Clichy
Current side – Man City
Since swapping the red of North London with the blue of Manchester, the French left back has seen his first Premier League title in the 2011-2012 season. Despite playing in the 3-2 defeat to new boys Cardiff City last Sunday, Clichy is still considered one of the best left backs the league has to offer.
Centre Midfield – Cesc Fabregas
Current side – Barcelona
The Spanish playmaker re-joined his childhood club in 2011 for a fee around €29 million. During his time back at Barcelona Fabregas has won the Champions League and La Liga a number of times. He had been linked with a move to Manchester United at the start of the summer transfer window, due to the lack of starts at Barca, but committed himself to new manager Gerardo Martino.
Centre Midfield – Alexandra Song
Current side – Barcelona
Alexandra Song joined the Spanish giants a year after his former centre midfield partner Fabregas. With the competition at Barcelona being so high, Song has not played in as many games as he would like. He did feature in 34 games last season as he looks to make a name for himself in Spain.
Left Midfield – Samir Nasri
Current side -Man City
Samir Nasri joined Manchester City in 2011 and won the Premier League at the club along with Clichy. The Frenchman’s pace, flair and creativity has seen him play a key role in Roberto Mancini’s side just before his exit in 2013.
Right Midfield – Theo Walcott
Current side – Arsenal
Since joining the club in 2006, Theo Walcott has developed his game to a point that he can cause trouble to any team he plays against. The pacey winger has played over 200 times for the club, and after signing his new contract during the January window, Walcott’s future seems to still be at Arsenal.
Striker – Emmanuel Adebayor
Current side – Tottenham
Adebayor has played for a few clubs since leaving Arsenal including Man City, Real Madrid and now Tottenham. Gunners will remember the striker for his exaggerated celebration in 2009 when he ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of them. The Togo striker is now one of the only forwards at Spurs but he has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane this season.
Striker – Robin van Persie
Current side – Man United
The very popular Robin van Persie moved to Manchester United at the beginning of last season and finished as the top goal scorer, as well as a league winner. His clinical finishing and partnership with Wayne Rooney makes Man United one of the most dangerous teams in front of goal.
@MediaJB
