This man, Arsene Wenger, is the most amazing football manager who has ever lived. He is truely omniscient (all-seeing/all-knowing) in spotting young talent. He is very well eduacated, a degree in Engineering and a Master's degree in Economics from Strasbourg University prove this much. His use of economics has allowed him to be very shrewd in his spending in the transfer market and understand the effect(s) of his spendings on AFC's financial status as a whole for the club. This, in turn, has led to AFC to reach new heights in their spending powers. The Emirates Stadium is an imposing, world-class, 60000ish seater which is rated 5-star by both UEFA and FIFA. The revenue this generates along with merchandise sales (which have rocketed as a result of Wenger's unprecedented success and style he has blessed the club with) has allowed AFC to be just 9 or so months away from becoming the World's richest club WITHOUT the aid of a rich, foreign owner. The best indication of Wenger's legendary status is the fact a bronze busk has also been carved out much like the one of another legend, Herbert Chapman.
Arsene is also a noted gentleman who always stops to speak with fans and colleagues alike because of his passion for football. His managerial style is unique, it focuses only on skill, technical ability, short passing and speed; not "muscle", long ball and kicking opponents. This has given Arsenal a very entertaining, and effective for the most part (unbeaten season 03/04), which can only really be stopped by resorting to excessive physical force/fouling.
Arsene's most amazing ability is that which allows him to spot young talent and then mold them into world-class players well before they reach their peak. There are so many examples of this but the 3 that stand out most to me are: Thierry Daniel Henry, Patrick Donale Vieira and Francesc Fabregas Soler.
Thierry Henry is an absolute legendary striker both for France (now their record goal scorer) and Arsenal FC. His move to Barcelona has not yet proved a huge hit but I am confident, in time, he will be back to his damaging best in a slower league. He is much to classy to not be scoring bucket loads of goals in a team rife with talent. He was signed to AFC from Juventus as a "failure" and a winger. He spent some 8 seasons with AFC scoring an incredible 226 goals and setting up so many more. Will be remembered as the club's greatest ever striker and a true role model for any player. Thierry is charismatic and an ultimate professional. His move away this season has let the team as a whole mature; only because they now must all lift their game and make up for his talent. Thierry will always be loved and welcome in and around AFC.
Power, skill, determination, leadership and confidence. All these words describe Patrick Vieira (just look at the picutre for an indication of his power). Patrick was an amazing captain who used to dominate games and exerted a huge positive influence on all his team mates. He never backed down from a physical challenge and had huge skill on the ball to couple with his physical stature. Vieira was never one to back out from a battle and performed to his full potential nearly every time he pulled on the AFC or French shirt. He will always be remembered fondly by AFC, Juventus, Inter Milan and French fans for his amazing committment and skill. The ultimate captain and midfielder, truely world-class and unstoppable.
Though only 20, Cesc could prove to be Wenger's greatest ever signing. He has over 150 first team appearances since debuting at 16 years of age in the Carling Cup. Cesc has quickly become the most important player in the Arsenal line-up with his unbelievable passing range, tackling, dribbling, work-rate and shooting. This season has seen Fabregas become a complete midfielder and a player of amazing quality. Seems more and more keen to spend his entire career with the Gunners and this can only mean one thing; trophies galore.
Wenger's tutelage of many players has shown him to be an amazing manager. Wenger is as passionate of a manager as the day he joined AFC and he will continue to encourage his unique and stylish form of play on all his players.
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