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Campbell Snubs Saka From Combined XI As Gunners Eye Champions League Semis
about 1 year agoUS
As Arsenal battles for top honours, comparisons inevitably arise with the legendary 'Invincibles' team of 2003-04. Adding fuel to the discussion, Invincibles defender Sol Campbell recently shared his combined XI from the two eras, making a notable omission that has stirred debate among fans, even as the current squad faces a critical Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Real Madrid.
Key Insights
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Saka Left Out: Arsenal legend Sol Campbell excluded current star Bukayo Saka from his combined XI of the present team and the 2004 Invincibles.
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Pires Preferred: Campbell selected Invincibles winger Robert Pires over Saka for the right-wing position, praising Pires' powerful shooting ability.
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Invincibles Dominate: Campbell's final combined XI featured *only* players from the 2004 Invincibles squad, highlighting the benchmark that team set.
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Statistical Similarity: Despite the snub, Saka (23) boasts statistics comparable to Pires at Arsenal, having already surpassed Pires' assist tally in fewer games (Saka: 68 goals, 70 assists in 254 games; Pires: 84 goals, 63 assists in 284 games).
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Champions League Context: The debate comes as Mikel Arteta's Arsenal holds a 3-0 lead over Real Madrid heading into the Champions League quarterfinal second leg at the Bernabeu, aiming to reach the semifinals.
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Why this matters: Campbell's selections underscore the immense legacy of the Invincibles and the high bar current players like Saka must clear to be considered legends. It also highlights the current team's progress, being seriously compared to that historic side while competing at the highest level in Europe.
In-Depth Analysis
The conversation comparing Mikel Arteta's vibrant Arsenal squad to the historic Invincibles team gained a new talking point courtesy of Sol Campbell. When asked by Sky Sports to name a combined XI featuring players from both eras, the legendary centre-back surprisingly omitted Bukayo Saka.
Campbell's choice for the right wing was Robert Pires. "Oh my god. He [Pires] could shoot harder instep than anyone can shoot with their laces. Pires," Campbell explained, leaving no doubt about his reasoning. Ultimately, Campbell's entire selected XI comprised players from the unbeaten 2003-04 season, suggesting that, in his view, the current stars haven't yet reached that legendary status.
While Saka, at just 23, may feel hard done by, the statistics show how impactful he has already been. In 254 appearances, he's notched 68 goals and 70 assists. Pires, over 284 games, scored 84 goals and provided 63 assists. Saka has already overtaken the French legend in assists and has years ahead to potentially surpass his goal tally and solidify his place among Arsenal greats. Trophies, however, will likely be key in that process.
This discussion unfolds as Arsenal faces a crucial test in the UEFA Champions League. Holding a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg against Real Madrid, thanks in part to two Declan Rice free-kicks, they travel to the Santiago Bernabéu for the quarterfinal second leg on April 16th. Success in competitions like the Champions League is precisely what can elevate the current generation into the same legendary bracket as the Invincibles.
FAQs
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Q: Why did Sol Campbell leave Bukayo Saka out of his combined Arsenal XI?
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A: Campbell explicitly chose Robert Pires for the right-wing spot, citing Pires' exceptional shooting ability as the reason. His final XI consisted entirely of players from the 2004 Invincibles team.
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Q: How do Saka's and Pires' stats compare?
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A: They are remarkably close. Saka has 68 goals and 70 assists in 254 games, while Pires had 84 goals and 63 assists in 284 games for Arsenal. Saka has already surpassed Pires' assist count.
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Q: What is the current situation in Arsenal's Champions League tie?
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A: Arsenal leads Real Madrid 3-0 after the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie. The second leg takes place at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
Key Takeaways
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Legacy Takes Time: While the current Arsenal team is exciting and successful, achieving the legendary status of the Invincibles requires sustained success and trophies over time.
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Saka's Trajectory: Bukayo Saka is already statistically comparable to club legends like Robert Pires and has a long career ahead to build his own legacy.
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High Stakes Ahead: The upcoming Champions League match against Real Madrid is a significant opportunity for the current team to prove their mettle and progress towards major silverware.
Discussion
Sol Campbell's choice has certainly sparked debate! Do you think Bukayo Saka should have been included in a combined XI? Can the current Arsenal team overcome Real Madrid and potentially match the Invincibles' legacy? Let us know your thoughts!
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Sources & References
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Source 1: Sol Campbell gives surprise Bukayo Saka answer in current Arsenal and Invicincibles combined XI target="_blank"
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Source 2: Champions League Soccer Quarterfinal: Livestream Real Madrid vs. Arsenal From Anywhere target="_blank" (Provides context on CL fixture/score)
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