da blaze casino： GOAL selects the greatest players produced at one of the world's most famous talent factories
da apostaganha： Arsenal’s ability to develop players is up there with the very best Europe has had to offer. From Liam Brady to Bukayo Saka, the Gunners have a long and rich history of bringing talent through who have gone on to make a major mark in the footballing world.
Arsenal may have brought in top talent from across the globe over the years, but their squads have always also had a sprinkling of homegrown players who have played key roles in the club’s success.
Ahead of their current crop of Hale End wonderkids contesting the FA Youth Cup final on Tuesday, GOAL takes a look at some of the finest players produced by one of the game's great talent factories…
Liam Brady
One of the most talented players ever to wear the Arsenal shirt.
Brady joined as a 15-year-old and spent a couple of years in the youth system before getting his chance in the first-team at 17.
The Irishman spent seven years with the Gunners, making more than 300 appearances – winning the FA Cup in 1979.
Brady then moved to Juventus in 1980 and spent seven years in Italy, enjoying spells with Sampdoria, Inter Milan and Ascoli.
He returned to England in 1987, seeing out his playing days with West Ham.
AdvertisementDavid O’Leary
Arsenal’s record appearance-maker.
He signed as an apprentice in 1973 and made his senior debut two years later.
O’Leary went on to make 722 appearances before joining Leeds United in 1993.
The Republic of Ireland international won two league titles at Arsenal, as well as two FA Cups and two League Cups.
GettyDavid Rocastle
A homegrown hero.
There are few players as popular at Arsenal as David Rocastle.
The exciting midfielder tragically passed away from cancer aged just 33, but not before he had written his name into Arsenal folklore with his incredible talent and fearsome tenacity.
Rocastle was a sensation in north London and his name is still sung by fans to this day.
He joined the youth set-up in 1982 and made his senior debut three years later. Rocastle went on to win two league titles and one League Cup with the club before being sold to Leeds United in 1991.
He has spells with Manchester City and Chelsea before moving to Malaysia.
Rocastle passed away on March 31, 2001 after a battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Getty ImagesMichael Thomas
Scorer of arguably the most famous goal in Arsenal’s history.
Thomas, who joined the club as a school boy in 1982, ensured his legendary status when he scored the last minute goal at Anfield to win Arsenal the league title at Liverpool’s expense on the final day of the 1988-89 season.
The midfielder added another league title to his honours list in 1991 before moving to Liverpool, where he won the FA Cup in 1992, scoring the opening goal in the final against Sunderland.
Thomas then held a spell in Portugal with Benfica before ending his career with Wimbledon.