Patrick Vieira

Vieira was more expansive than a fixed holding midfielder. His strength in a challenge was followed by the ability to carry the ball forward and turn a contested midfield into an attacking platform. Partnerships with Emmanuel Petit and later Arsenal midfield colleagues allowed that range to serve the team. For the Double-winning and unbeaten sides, his importance was the connection between winning territory and using it. Reducing him to confrontation leaves out much of the football.