Ranking Arsenal’s greatest academy players
Arsenal are one of the most successful clubs in English football, having won 13 top-flight titles, including three Premier League titles. They have been consistent in the league over the years and are part of the traditional ‘Big 6’.
The Gunners have also boasted of some of the best managers and players over the years. They have won numerous trophies on the back of some incredible players like Thierry Herny, Ian Wright, Dennis Bergkamp, and more. They have spent a good amount of money over the years on new players. They signed Declan Rice for a British record fee of £105 million from West Ham United in the summer of 2023.
However, the north London side haven’t been only dependent on signings for their success. They have also produced great talent from their own academy. These players have gone on to achieve great things at the club and other clubs as well.
On that note, let’s take a look at the top 10 Arsenal academy players of all time:
10. Andy Cole
Andy Cole had a more illustrious career than a lot of players on this list but he’s 10th because of his actual contributions to Arsenal.
Cole came through the Gunners’ academy in 1989 but couldn’t become a regular in the senior side, making just two appearances. He had a loan spell at Fulham before permanently joining Bristol City in 1992.
The English striker eventually joined Manchester United and went on to have an incredible spell. He registered 121 goals and 45 assists in 275 games for them, winning five league titles and one Champions League trophy, among other honors.
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9. Liam Brady
The Irish attacking midfielder made around 270 appearances for the north London side, scoring 48 goals and providing 10 assists across competitions. He helped them win one FA Cup during his seven-year stint with the senior side before moving to Juventus in 1980.
8. Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has been the talisman for the Gunners in the last few years despite being a young player. He made his debut in 2019 and initially started as a left-back before making the right-wing position his own.
Saka has registered 58 goals and 53 assists in 226 games for the club, winning one FA Cup and two Community Shields.
7. Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas joined the Gunners’ academy from Barcelona’s academy in 2003 and went on to spend eight years at the club.
The Spanish midfielder made 303 appearances for the side, scoring 57 goals and providing 95 assists. He was known for his creativity, passing ability, and vision on the pitch. Fabregas won one FA Cup and one Community Shield at the Emirates before having illustrious spells with Barcelona and Chelsea.
6. David Rocastle
An icon in the club’s history, David Rocastle joined the Gunners’ senior team in 1984. He made around 250 appearances for the club, winning two league titles, among other honors.
Rocastle was brilliant on the pitch and also had spells with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea. He tragically passed away due to cancer in 2001 at the age of just 33.
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5. Paul Merson
The now-renowned pundit Paul Merson was an Arsenal academy graduate, who made his first senior appearances in 1985. He registered around 400 appearances for the club, scoring 93 goals and providing 50 assists.
The midfielder went on to win two league titles, among other honors, before joining Middlesbrough in 1997.
4. David O’Leary
David O’Leary was one of the most talented players to have come out of the Gunners’ academy. He made his senior debut in 1975 and went on to make over 630 appearances for the club in 18 years.
The English centre-back helped them win two league titles and two FA Cups, among other honors.
3. Ray Parlour
Ray Parlour is another Arsenal legend who came through the club’s academy. He made 458 appearances, contributing 31 goals and 29 assists for the side.
Parlour helped them win three league titles and four FA Cups during his 13-year stay at the club. It was his final year at the Emirates when they won the ‘Invincibles’ Premier League titles in the 2003-04 season.
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2. Ashley Cole
Widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs of all time, Ashley Cole had an excellent spell with Arsenal after coming through their academy in 2000. He made around 230 appearances for them, winning two Premier League titles, and three FA Cups, among other honors.
Cole then joined London rivals Chelsea in 2006 and won even more trophies to put his name amongst the legends of the game.
1. Tony Adams
One of the all-time greats of English football, Tony Adams came through the North London side’s academy in 1983. He became a key figure in their dominance in the next few years, making over 600 appearances.
Adams was a leader at the back for the Gunners and a formidable defender. He helped them win four league titles and three FA Cups, among other honors.
FAQs
Q. Who is the best academy player in Arsenal history?
A. Tony Adams
Q. Which players came from Arsenal Academy?
A. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Tony Adams, Cesc Fabregas, Ashley Cole, and many more.
Q. Was Harry Kane in Arsenal Academy?
A. Harry Kane was initially in Arsenal’s academy but was released as he was deemed not good enough at the age of 9.