Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has named the five players from the present day that would make it into their famous Invincibles team of 2004. The Gunners' current side are closing in on their first Premier League title since Vieira and Co.'s famous triumph more than two decades ago, and it has sparked debate over a combined XI.
Vieira's Selection Process
Midfield powerhouse Vieira captained Arsenal during the 2003-04 season, as they went the entire league campaign unbeaten under Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman appeared on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football to cover Arsenal's crucial 1-0 win at home to Burnley and post-match, he was asked to select an XI made up of the two different squads.
"I think this is a good debate," Vieira began. "If they manage to win the league and the Champions League, you will have to have it and compare the two generations. It will be interesting to see the best XI of these two teams."
Goalkeeper and Defence
In goal, Vieira snubbed Jens Lehmann and went for current No.1 David Raya, who could break David Seaman's record for the most clean sheets in a Premier League season for Arsenal (19) when they face Crystal Palace on Sunday. At right-back, Jurrien Timber got the nod over Lauren. On the left-hand side of defence, Ashley Cole kept his place in a position in which Mikel Arteta has used multiple players such as Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori. At centre-back, Sol Campbell and Gabriel Magalhaes won out, as Vieira opted against former team-mate Kolo Toure and William Saliba.
"Ooo, I was expecting Saliba," Jamie Carragher responded after Vieira went with Gabriel.
Midfield and Attack
In midfield, the ex-Arsenal skipper would play himself alongside Declan Rice rather than Gilberto Silva. "I (would) keep myself as captain as well," Vieira added. On the right flank, Bukayo Saka was chosen over Freddie Ljungberg while Robert Pires kept his place on the left. And up front, the 2004 partnership of Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry came out on top.
Comparing Generations
"It is always difficult to compare generations of players," Vieira admitted. "Arteta did a really good job, taking the team a couple of years ago and seeing where the team is today." He added: "He (Arteta) spent a lot of money. Regarding Arsene, he bought myself, Thierry, really good deals. For that I will say Arsene will be the manager."
Although the Invincibles did not lift any other trophies that season, this Arsenal side can also still win the Champions League. The Gunners will face Paris Saint-Germain in next Saturday's final and Vieira believes that such an achievement would see Arteta's men go down as legends but not the best Arsenal team ever.
"If they manage to win both competitions it will be something that is unbelievable for the football club. This group of players will be remembered as one of the greatest Arsenal teams. To be the best, I'm not 100 per cent convinced on that."
Carragher offered his verdict by saying: "It's the best achievement in Arsenal's history, no doubt, but it's not a better team. The same way that Manchester United's team in 1999 achieved the greatest achievement (the Treble) but they're not actually better than the team in 2008 who won the league and European Cup but not the FA Cup."
Vieira's Combined XI
Vieira's XI: (4-4-2) Raya; Timber, Campbell, Gabriel, Cole; Saka, Vieira, Rice, Pires; Bergkamp, Henry.
