Patrick Vieira believes several players from Mikel Arteta’s current Arsenal squad are good enough to earn a place in the club’s legendary Invincibles side.
Arsenal’s 2003-04 team remain one of the greatest in Premier League history after going unbeaten for an entire league campaign under Arsene Wenger. But with the current Gunners fighting for the title in the 2025-26 season, comparisons between the two teams have grown.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Vieira was asked to build a combined XI using players from both the Invincibles and Arteta’s current side. The former Arsenal captain included five modern players, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka among the biggest names selected.
Vieira makes bold calls in defence and midfield
Vieira chose David Raya in goal ahead of Jens Lehmann and also included Jurrien Timber at right-back.
In central defence, he kept Sol Campbell from the Invincibles side but replaced Kolo Toure with Gabriel Magalhaes. At left-back, however, there was no debate, with Ashley Cole keeping his place.
“I think Raya in goal for Lehmann,” Vieira said. “Timber at right-back, I quite like him, he can get in the team as well. Toure and Campbell, I will change one of the two, I will keep Campbell and change Toure for Gabriel.”
In midfield, Vieira selected himself alongside Declan Rice, leaving out former team-mate Gilberto Silva. He also picked Saka on the right wing ahead of Freddie Ljungberg.
“Saka can get in the team on the right hand side over Freddie Ljungberg,” Vieira added. “Declan Rice for Gilberto and keep Robert Pires on the left.”
There was no change up front, with Vieira keeping the iconic partnership of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.
“Up front we’re not touching Thierry and Dennis,” he said.
Wenger gets the nod over Arteta
Vieira also had to choose a manager for the combined team. While he praised Arteta for the progress Arsenal have made under his leadership, he ultimately picked Wenger.
“I think Arteta did a really good job, taking the team a couple of years ago and seeing where it is today,” Vieira said. “He also spent a lot of money.”
“Regarding Arsene, I think Arsene brought myself and Thierry on really good deals, so for that I’d say Arsene will be the manager.”
Vieira’s combined XI features Raya, Timber, Campbell, Gabriel, Cole, Saka, Rice, Vieira, Pires, Henry and Bergkamp.
His selections are likely to spark debate among Arsenal supporters, especially with several modern stars being placed ahead of members of one of the most famous teams in English football history.
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