Arsenal Football Club has seen countless legendary players grace the pitch over the years, with some of the finest footballing talents to ever play the game calling North London their home. From legendary defenders to midfield maestros and clinical finishers, the club has produced a rich history of skill, flair, and passion. But when it comes to creating an all-time 5-a-side team, selecting the right players becomes a unique challenge, as small-sided football requires not just individual brilliance, but an ability to adapt to the fast, tight spaces of a miniature pitch.

In this article, we’ll take a different approach and explore a selection of Arsenal legends for an all-time 5-a-side team. Whether it’s the quick reflexes of a world-class goalkeeper, the playmaking genius in midfield, or the clinical finishes in attack, these selections represent some of the finest players to ever wear the famous red and white shirt.

As always, let us know your thoughts on the team we’ve selected, and if you have any changes you’d make to the team to celebrate the great players of this historic club. You can get in touch with us on all the usual places (Bluesky @NextGoalWinner – Instagram @NextGoalWin), and if you haven’t already, then do check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).

Goalkeeper: David Seaman (1990-2003)

Honours Include: 2x Premier League, 3x FA Cup, 1x League Cup

Seaman was an iconic goalkeeper and became Arsenal’s first-choice for over a decade. His commanding presence, shot-stopping ability, and leadership at the back would be crucial in a 5-a-side format, where quick reflexes and organization are paramount.

Honourable Mention: Jens Lehmann – Lehmann was a key figure in Arsenal’s “Invincibles” team, renowned for his quick reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and leadership. His ability to distribute the ball quickly and efficiently with both feet would be invaluable in a 5-a-side game, where quick transitions and decision-making are critical. Lehmann’s fiery character would also add a competitive edge to the team.

Midfielder: Patrick Viera (1996-2005)

Honours Include: 3x Premier League, 5x FA Cup

Vieira was a powerhouse in midfield, known for his leadership and ability to dominate the pitch. His versatility, passing range, and defensive qualities made him the perfect 5-a-side midfielder. He could break up play, create chances, and offer energy in a compact game.

Honourable Mention: Sol Campbell – Sol Campbell, with his physicality, leadership, and composure, would be an excellent choice in defence for a 5-a-side team. While not known for his dribbling skills, his ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions would make him solid defensively. His strength and dominance in aerial duels would give him the edge in a 5-a-side format, while his occasional forays forward would add an extra dimension in attack.

Forward: Thierry Henry (1999-2012)

Honours Include: 2x Premier League, 2x FA Cup

Thierry Henry’s combination of blistering pace, clinical finishing, and technical skill makes him the ideal forward for a 5-a-side team. His ability to beat defenders in tight spaces and finish chances with both feet would make him a lethal option in a small-sided game.

Honourable Mention: Cesc Fàbregas – Fàbregas was a maestro in the centre of the park, known for his exceptional passing range, vision, and intelligence. In a 5-a-side setting, his ability to pick out teammates with precision and execute quick through balls in tight spaces would make him an essential playmaker. Fàbregas could dictate the tempo and make decisive passes in small areas, making him the perfect midfielder for this team.

Forward: Dennis Bergkamp (1995-2006)

Honours Include: 3x Premier League, 4x FA Cup

Bergkamp’s vision, creativity, and elegance on the ball made him an extraordinary player for Arsenal. His ability to provide assist after assist in tight areas would be crucial in a 5-a-side game, where quick and intelligent passes are key to unlocking defences.

Honourable Mention: Santi Cazorla – Cazorla was one of the most technically gifted players Arsenal has ever had. His dribbling, creativity, and vision allowed him to glide through tight spaces with ease, making him an ideal choice for 5-a-side. Cazorla’s ability to unlock defences with a precise pass or a sudden burst of skill would make him a key playmaker in the team. His close control and flair would be invaluable in the confined space of a 5-a-side pitch.

Forward: Ian Wright (1991-1998)

Honours Include: Premier League, 2x FA Cup, League Cup

Wright was Arsenal’s all-time top scorer for several years and was known for his sharpness and quick thinking in front of goal. His ability to finish in tight spaces, work rate, and fast reactions would be invaluable in a 5-a-side format. Wright was always in the right place at the right time, making him an ideal striker for small-sided games.

Honourable Mention: Robin van Persie – Van Persie’s skill, technique, and finishing ability make him an outstanding choice for a 5-a-side forward. He was a versatile striker who could finish with both feet, and his technical ability was second to none. His agility in tight spaces and sharp movements would be a massive asset in small-sided football, and his goal-scoring instincts would ensure he’s always a threat in and around the box.

Let us know your thoughts on the selection for this 5-a-side team. Did we balance the history, the star quality, the trophies and the usefulness in a 5-a-side context for our selections, or do you have any suggested changes we could make to our selection.

Give us your thoughts over on Bluesky, Instagram or Twitter, and feel free to suggest your own selections for the team and we can compare who would come out on top.