The 10 Greatest Passers in Arsenal History Have Been Ranked, With Two Current Stars Included
Arsenal has a rich history of developing talented passers, with players like Robert Pires and Bukayo Saka renowned for their creative play on the wings, while Mesut Ozil and Martin Odegaard have been lauded for their technical precision in central positions. This emphasis on skilled passing has become a defining feature of the club, with each generation of Gunners’ teams featuring standout passers.
Although Arsene Wenger is often credited with cultivating teams filled with flair and creativity, this approach was part of Arsenal’s identity before his arrival and remains a core principle to this day.
Aaron Ramsey: 2008–2019
When reflecting on players who made a significant impact at the Emirates Stadium during its sponsored era, Aaron Ramsey inevitably comes to mind. The Welshman dedicated over a decade to the red and white, becoming a central figure in Arsenal’s midfield. A versatile and well-rounded player, Ramsey is considered one of the finest to emerge from his country, contributing in every aspect of midfield play, from scoring and assisting to providing solid defensive support.
In addition to his relentless work ethic and determination, Ramsey’s exceptional passing ability set him apart. This skill allowed him greater freedom on the field, especially in deeper midfield positions, where he could dictate the flow of play.
| Aaron Ramsey’s Arsenal Career Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 262 |
| Goals | 40 |
| Assists | 46 |
Bukayo Saka: 2018–Present
Bukayo Saka is widely regarded as one of England’s finest talents, known for his relentless determination. He made his initial breakthrough in first-team football as a wing-back, quickly gaining attention for his dribbling skills and precise crosses from wide areas.
Eventually, Saka transitioned to the wide flank, a position he had played in during his academy days, and is now considered one of the best in the world in that role. His abilities seem boundless, but his passing is particularly impressive. From quick one-touch plays to open up space, to precise and effective crosses and through balls into the box, Saka’s football intelligence and technique are exceptional.
| Bukayo Saka’s Arsenal Career Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 235 |
| Goals | 60 |
| Assists | 58 |
Liam Brady: 1973–1980
Football in the 1970s was significantly different from the modern game, both tactically and environmentally. The sport was more physically demanding and focused on goals, while the pitch conditions often hindered performance. Despite these challenges, Liam Brady excelled during this era.
A highly skilled midfielder, Brady is widely regarded as one of Arsenal’s greatest players in that position. However, since assists were not recorded as a statistic at the time, and his silverware haul was limited, he is sometimes overlooked in the club’s history. Nevertheless, his playing style won over fans, cementing his legacy at both Arsenal and on the international stage.
| Liam Brady’s Arsenal Career Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 307 |
| Goals | 48 |
| Assists | N/A |
Martin Odegaard: 2021–Present
Martin Odegaard knows all too well the challenges of being a young talent under intense scrutiny, but he’s fortunate that Mikel Arteta stepped in to guide him.
Now captain and the driving force behind Arsenal’s successful midfield, Odegaard has repeatedly impressed fans with his masterful tempo control and ability to deliver decisive passes that break through even the toughest defenses. His move from Real Madrid drew comparisons to Mesut Ozil, and that parallel is not far-fetched. There is genuine optimism that the Norwegian will help lead the Gunners to significant trophies in the years ahead.
| Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal Career Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 156 |
| Goals | 35 |
| Assists | 25 |
Robert Pires: 2000–2006
Many associate Robert Pires with his prolific goal-scoring and dazzling dribbles, consistently thrilling fans. However, one of his more underappreciated qualities was his exceptional vision, allowing him to view the game from a unique perspective. This insight enabled him to register over 60 assists for Arsenal.
His deadly partnership with Thierry Henry, alongside other members of the legendary Arsenal Invincibles, stemmed from his creativity and technical skills, which allowed him to link up and orchestrate plays in distinct ways. This is why Arsène Wenger solidified Pires’ role as a dedicated left-winger, once remarking: “He has unbelievable preferential vision, so on the right he is a normal player, but on the left he became a world-class player.”
| Robert Pires’ Arsenal Career Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 284 |
| Goals | 84 |
| Assists | 62 |
Thierry Henry: 1999–2007, 2012
In his prime, Thierry Henry was a force of nature, possessing a range of exceptional qualities, though his passing ability is often overshadowed by his other dominant traits. Unlike a traditional striker, Henry frequently moved wide to create space, which contributed to his remarkable assist record. Known for his skill on the ball and his flair for the no-look pass, the Frenchman set a Premier League record for the most assists in a single season (20), a feat only equaled by Kevin De Bruyne.
| Thierry Henry’s Arsenal Career Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 377 |
| Goals | 228 |
| Assists | 98 |
Santi Cazorla: 2012–2018
Santi Cazorla is widely regarded as one of the most ambidextrous footballers in the history of the game, a trait that complements his versatile skill set. The Spanish midfielder exemplified the technique and finesse characteristic of many great players from his country, with his unmatched ability to control the game’s tempo and deliver intricate passes making him a standout in Arsenal’s squad during the 2010s.
Even through periods of injury, Cazorla maintained his vision and creativity on the field, continuing to play a crucial role for Arsenal, particularly in deeper midfield positions. His exceptional technical prowess also made him highly effective in set pieces, excelling in both corners and free-kicks.
| Santi Cazorla’s Arsenal Career Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 180 |
| Goals | 29 |
| Assists | 44 |
Cesc Fàbregas: 2003–2011
Arsenal quickly realized they had discovered a rare talent when they signed Fabregas from Barcelona’s famed youth academy in 2003. However, it wasn’t until the 2004–05 season that he became a regular starter, stepping up due to injuries to key players like Patrick Vieira, Edu, and Gilberto Silva.
Despite Arsenal’s reputation for fielding physically dominant midfielders, Fabregas quickly won over fans with his exceptional playmaking skills. His creativity and passing ability stood out, earning him widespread praise. While many of Fabregas’ best years were spent away from the Emirates, he remains a beloved figure among Arsenal supporters.
| Cesc Fabregas’ Arsenal Career Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 303 |
| Goals | 57 |
| Assists | 95 |
Dennis Bergkamp: 1995–2006
Dennis Bergkamp is regarded as one of the greatest Dutch players ever, often seen as the epitome of artistry in football. Many viewed him as the ideal partner for a striker, thanks to his remarkable movement and passing skills. Thierry Henry, in particular, praised him highly. Even after playing alongside legends like Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, and Lionel Messi, Henry acknowledged that Bergkamp stood out above all of them.
“The best player I’ve ever played with is Dennis Bergkamp because he is human. With Leo [Messi], I ask myself if he’s really human.”
Bergkamp concluded his career in north London with three English league titles, four FA Cups, and more than 100 assists while wearing the iconic red and white.
| Dennis Bergkamp’s Arsenal Career Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 422 |
| Goals | 120 |
| Assists | 112 |
Mesut Ozil: 2013–2021
When Mesut Ozil departed from Real Madrid in 2014, the all-time record goalscorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, had this to say: “Mesut Ozil made me the world’s best striker.”
“The sale of Ozil is very bad news for me… I’m very angry Ozil is leaving.”
Such powerful words were a testament to Ozil’s spectacular creativity and football genius. His misleading nonchalance on the pitch covered the reality in that he was quite simply two or three steps ahead of everybody else, and when the German was in his groove, it was difficult to imagine anything getting in his way. That’s precisely how he lit up the Emirates and earned the respect of both Arsenal and rival fans alike.
Ultimately, a disgruntled end to his time in N5 left a bitter taste to his Arsenal career, but undoubtedly, based on talent alone, it’s difficult to argue against Ozil being the greatest passer to have ever worn the shirt.
| Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal Career Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 254 |
| Goals | 44 |
| Assists | 75 |
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