3. Bacary Sagna

Some of English football's finest imports needed time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League, including luminaries like Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires. Not Bacary. The Frenchman took to the English game immediately following his arrival in the summer of 2007.

First and foremost Bacary has proved himself to be an exemplary defender. His positional awareness, tackling ability and aerial strength secured Arsenal's right side. It was there that he developed a strong understanding with Emmanuel Eboue.

Bacary also impressed on the front foot. Neat and tidy in possession, his willingness to overlap gave Arsenal the width they needed to stretch defences. His crossing was another weapon - one pinpoint effort set up Emmanuel Adebayor's thumping headed winner at Villa Park.

The Frenchman's worth was underlined at Stamford Bridge in March. His first professional goal gave Arsenal a priceless lead but an ankle injury forced him out of the game (and the season). Bacary's departure unbalanced the back four and Chelsea struck twice to inflict a painful defeat.

That untimely injury denied Bacary a chance to shine at Euro 2008 but he is widely-regarded as the long-term successor to current France right back, Willy Sagnol. He looks set to have a long-term impact at the Emirates too.

 

MY YEAR

May

May was another rock-solid month for Bacary. The Frenchman played every minute of the first four fixtures and was withdrawn after 57 minutes of the fifth, and final game of the season, against Stoke. Speaking to the Official Matchday Programme during the month Bacary said: "We were a long way off fourth place at one point and we responded. We have to look forward because the team is young and we need to stay strong together.”

April

After 90 minutes against Man City, Villarreal and Wigan, Bacary missed the next 180 minutes of football with a virus. But the Frenchman did return for the incredible 4-4 draw with Liverpool on April 21, made the bench for the Boro clash five days later and finished the month with 90 minutes in the Champions League Semi-Final first leg against Man United.

March

Bacary didn’t miss a moment of March action and was influential in the Gunners’ two clean sheets in the month. The Frenchman also stepped up in the penalty shoot-out against Roma on March 11th, slotting home with aplomb from 12 yards. Of Arsenal’s race for fourth place, Bacary said: "We try to play game after game and give everything, take the maximum points and we will see.”

More Bacary Sagna News