Why Thierry Henry is the greatest player of the Premier
League era

COMMENT: Combining elegance with ruthlessness, the
Arsenal legend provided some of the top flight's most
memorable moments in the modern day and was efficient in
front of goal

By Julian Bennetts
What constitutes greatness? Can you look at the statistics
alone and use them to anoint a player as being great? Or is
it the moments with which a footballer leaves you - the
indelible mark of grace, skill and purpose that no-one else
can match?
If you look at Thierry Henry's statistics and achievements, he
was undoubtedly a great. If you analyse his numerous
moments of magic there can be no debate.
Indeed, there is a compelling argument that no-one has
enriched the Premier League to quite the same extent – in
terms of smoothness, va-va-voom and goals - since the
competition began in its current guise in 1992.
When observers of Margaret Thatcher's premiership coined
the phrase 'iron fist in a velvet glove', they probably did not
have in mind that it could just as well be applied to the son
of West Indian immigrants born in the Parisien banlieues.
He was elegant but utterly ruthless.
He dominated English football with the talent to deliver the
fatal blow with such elan that even opponents almost
wanted to applaud him afterwards.
"We were blessed in this country to see Thierry playing at his
peak," said Jamie Carragher, one of the players who
suffered most at Henry's hands, upon hearing the news that
he has hung up his boots at the age of 37.
"[He was] potentially one of the greatest players in the world
and, even if you supported another team, you couldn't help
but enjoy watching him play."
The statistical list is so comprehensive that is is hard to know
where to start.
One way to begin would be by pointing out that Henry left
Arsenal having scored 175 Premier League goals (out of a
total of 228 for the club) at an average of one every 122
minutes – a better goal-per-minute ratio than any other
player to score over a century.
Or you could state that he scored against 34 of the 35 teams
whom he faced (and that he only played 24 minutes against
Swansea City, the one exception, during his return to Arsenal
in the 2011-12 season).
Then there is the fact he is the only player to score 20 or
more goals in five successive Premier League seasons, while
he also has the most assists in a season (20 in 2002-03).
Throw in the fact that he played more minutes than any
other member of the Invincibles side and finished his
Arsenal career with two league and three FA Cup medals and
you can certainly make a case that he is up there with
Bergkamp, Shearer, Owen, Drogba, Van Nistelrooy, Cole,
Aguero or anyone else whom you might want to portray as
the finest of the last 22 years.
But the thing that puts Henry apart were the moments. He
fashioned a finish – the curled shot around the goalkeeper
from the left-hand side of the penalty area – that was
individual to him. It was fitting that his goal against Leeds on
his comeback for Arsenal was finished in that exact way.
A man who could have been defined by his physical
attributes, his greatest talent was his brain-power and how
he thought about the game. Many rely on instincts in a one-
on-one situation but not Henry.
"Whenever a goalkeeper rushes out to meet me, I look at
them to make them stop," he told FourFourTwo. "Once I've
frozen them, they suddenly realise, 'Oh, it's just you and me'
and, by the time he thinks this, the ball is gone."
That he gave lessons to Arsenal's young goalkeepers on this
very trick during one of his returns to the club shows just
how difficult it is to combat.
His speed of thought, as well as fleetness of foot, was
startling. The pace to sprint past hapless Leeds defenders
(and it was Leeds more often than not) was part of his
armoury, though it was his ability to always think one step
ahead of them that was his defining weapon.
Think his wondrous flick-turn-volley against Manchester
United, the backheel against Charlton or even the failed
penalty attempt against Manchester City; this was stealth
rather than strength.
He knew how to keep the fans onside, too, and was well
aware of his marketing potential off the pitch. Never losing
against Tottenham helped, as did the iconic celebration that
is now immortalised in bronze outside the Emirates
Stadium.
Most fans empathised with the father-son bond that he
shared with Arsene Wenger. Seeing him transform from an
unconfident left-winger into the world's finest striker was
quite something for the Highbury crowd.
If there were criticisms they would be that he sometimes
failed in major finals – the 2006 Champions League final still
sticks in the craw of many Arsenal fans – and that his
presence seemed to intimidate some of his team-mates but,
as a player, there are not many who can claim to be his
equal.
Dennis Bergkamp, who complimented Henry so well, would
certainly demand a place in the argument. He can lay claim
to being more influential on Arsenal as a whole, having been
the catalyst for everything that followed. Eric Cantona,
another mercurial Frenchman who led his club into a new,
golden era, would also be considered a contender, while
Gianfranco Zola might receive many neutrals' vote.
But Henry's record will stand the test of time.
Alan Shearer, Andrew Cole and Wayne Rooney have all
scored more Premier League goals than the Frenchman but
have done so in 183, 156 and 128 more games, respectively.
Henry filled his trophy cabinet at Barcelona to complete a
set that also included a World Cup, European Championship
and 51 goals for his national team but he will be
remembered for his time at Arsenal. We should be glad we
saw him play.

what of c ronaldo?

runzlord:
what of c ronaldo?

are u dumb?how can u compare C Ronaldo era in the Epl with Henry

Fiji ask am.

runzlord:
what of c ronaldo?

You must be of Indomine generation bro.

fijiano202:
are u dumb?how can u compare C Ronaldo era in the Epl with Henry

Stop talking out of your nose and start arguing with facts on the ground. Ronaldo was the better player of the two. No one in the EPL era has ever matched the quality He displayed in seasons 07-09

chic2pimp:

Stop talking out of your nose and start arguing with facts on the ground. Ronaldo was the better player of the two. No one in the EPL era has ever matched the quality He displayed in seasons 07-09

indomie generation

chic2pimp:

Stop talking out of your nose and start arguing with facts on the ground. Ronaldo was the better player of the two. No one in the EPL era has ever matched the quality He displayed in seasons 07-09

guy are you sure you watched henry in the epl at all?

fijiano202:
indomie generation

My little pinky toe knows more about footy than you do. Next time come correct abeg.

wincyhov:

guy are you sure you watched henry in the epl at all?

Not only do I have watch the EPL i have been to a few grounds too.

My Guy give me the seasons Henry reached that level of Greatness in his EPL career? I dey wait o

chic2pimp:


My little pinky toe knows more about footy than you do. Next time come correct abeg.



Not only do I have watch the EPL i have been to a few grounds too.

My Guy give me the seasons Henry reached that level of Greatness in his EPL career? I dey wait o

henry is ranked the best player since the epl era began behind giggs, And u are arguing


i rest my case.google is everyone's friend,use it

chic2pimp:


My little pinky toe knows more about footy than you do. Next time come correct abeg.



Not only do I have watch the EPL i have been to a few grounds too.

My Guy give me the seasons Henry reached that level of Greatness in his EPL career? I dey wait o

Only fools say there no God

Henry was made captain following the departure of fellow Frenchman Patrick Vieirato Juventusin 2005

Unsettled in Italy, Henry transferred from Juventus on 3 August 1999 to Arsenalfor an estimated fee of £11 million, reuniting with his former manager Arsène Wenger. [ 11 ] [ 12 ]It was at Arsenal that Henry made his name as a world-class footballer, [ 13 ]and although his transfer was not without controversy, Wenger was convinced he was worth the transfer fee. [ 3 ]Brought in as a replacement for fellow French forward Nicolas Anelka, Henry was immediately moulded into a striker by Wenger, a move that would pay rich dividends in years to come. However, doubts were raised about his ability to adapt to the quick and physical English game when he failed to score in his first eight games. [ 4 ]After several difficult months in England, Henry even conceded that he had to "be re-taught everything about the art of striking." [ 4 ]These doubts were dispelled when he ended his first seasonat Arsenal with an impressive goal tally of 26. [ 14 ]Arsenal finished second in the Premier Leaguebehind Manchester United, and lost in the UEFA Cup Finalagainst Turkishside Galatasaray. [ 3 ]

Coming off the back of a victorious UEFA Euro 2000campaign with the national team, Henry was ready to make an impact in the 2000–01 season. Despite recording fewer goals and assiststhan his first season, Henry's second season with Arsenal proved to be a breakthrough, as he became the club's top goalscorer. [ 15 ]Armed with one of the league's best attacks, Arsenal finished runner-up to perennial rivalsManchester United in the Premier League. The team also reached the finalof the FA Cup, losing 2–1 to Liverpool. Henry remained frustrated, however, by the fact that he had yet to help the club win honours, and frequently expressed his desire to establish Arsenal as a powerhouse. [ 3 ]

Success finally arrived during the 2001–02 season. Arsenal finished seven points above Liverpool to win the Premier Leaguetitle, and defeated Chelsea2–0 in the FA Cup Final. [ 3 ]Henry became the league's top goal-scorer and netted 32 goals in all competitions as he led Arsenal to a doubleand his first silverware with the club. [ 2 ] [ 15 ]There was much expectation that Henry would replicate his club form for France during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but the defending champions suffered a shock exit at the group stage. [ 3 ]
2002–03proved to be another productive season for Henry, as he scored 32 goals in all competitions while contributing 23 assists—remarkable returns for a striker. [ 15 ]In doing so, he led Arsenal to another FA Cuptriumph (where he was man-of-the-match in the Final), [ 16 ]although Arsenal failed to retain their Premier Leaguetitle. [ 17 ]Throughout the season, he competed with Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooyfor the league scoring title, but the Dutchman edged Henry to the Golden Bootby a single goal. [ 3 ]Nonetheless, Henry was named both the PFA Players' Player of the Yearand FWA Footballer of the Year. [ 18 ] [ 19 ]His rising status as one of the world's best footballers was affirmed when he emerged runner-up for the 2003 FIFA World Player of the Yearaward. [ 13 ]

Henry in a game against Charlton Athleticin 2006
Entering the 2003–04 season, Arsenal were determined to reclaim the Premier Leaguecrown. Henry was again instrumental in Arsenal's exceptionally successful campaign; together with the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieiraand Robert Pirès, Henry ensured thatthe Gunnersbecame the first team in more than a century to go through the entire domestic league season unbeaten, claiming the league title in the process. [ 20 ]Apart from being named for the second year running as the PFA Players' Player of the Yearand FWA Footballer of the Year, [ 18 ] [ 19 ]Henry emerged once again as the runner-up for 2004FIFA World Player of the Year award. [ 13 ]With 39 goals scored in all competitions, the Frenchman led the league in goals scored and won the European Golden Boot. [ 2 ] [ 21 ]However, as was the case in 2002, Henry was unable to lead the national side to honours during UEFA Euro 2004. [ 3 ]

This dip in success was compounded when Arsenal failed again to secure back-to-back league titles when they lost out to Chelsea in the 2004–05 season, although Arsenal did win the FA Cup(the Finalof which Henry missed through injury). [ 7 ]Henry maintained his reputation as one of Europe's most feared strikers as he led the league in scoring, [ 2 ]and with 31 goals in all competitions, [ 22 ]he was the co-recipient (with Diego Forlán) of the European Golden Boot, and is currently the only player to have officially won the award twice in a row ( Ally McCoistalso had two Golden Boots in a row, but both were deemed unofficial). [ 21 ]The unexpected departure of Arsenal's captainPatrick Vieira in the 2005 close season led to Henry being awarded club captaincy, a role which many felt was not naturally suited for him; the captaincy is more commonly given to defenders or midfielders, who are better-placed on the pitch to read the game. [ 2 ]Along with being chief goal-scorer, he was responsible for leading a very young team which had yet to gel fully. [ 23 ]

After the retirement of Dennis Bergkamp, Henry regularly partnered Robin van Persiein the Arsenal attack
The 2005–06 seasonproved to be one of remarkable personal achievements for Henry. On 17 October 2005, Henry became the club's top goal-scorer of all time; [ 24 ]two goals against Sparta Prahain the Champions Leaguemeant he broke Ian Wright's record of 185 goals. [ 25 ]On 1 February 2006, he scored a goal against West Ham United, bringing his league goal tally up to 151, breaking Arsenal legend Cliff Bastin's league goals record. [ 26 ]Henry scored his 100th league goal at Highbury, a feat unparalleled in the history of the club, and a unique achievement in the Premier League. [ 27 ]On the final day of the Premier Leagueseason, Henry scored a hat-trick against Wigan Athleticin the last ever match played at Highbury. He completed the season as the league's top goal-scorer, [ 2 ]was voted the FWA Footballer of the Year for the third time in his career, and was selected in the FIFA World XI. [ 7 ] [ 28 ]

Nevertheless, Arsenal failed to win the Premier League title again, but hopes of a trophy were revived when Arsenal reached the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final. The Gunners eventually lost 2–1 to Barcelona, and Arsenal's inability to win the league title for two consecutive seasons combined with the relative inexperience of the Arsenal squad caused much speculation that Henry would leave for another club. However, he declared his love for the club and accepted a four-year contract, and said he would stay at Arsenal for life. [ 19 ]Arsenal vice-chairman David Deinlater claimed the club had turned down two bids of £50 million from Spanish clubs for Henry before the signing of the new contract. [ 29 ]Had the transfer materialised, it would have surpassed the then world record £47 million paid for Zinédine Zidane. [ 29 ]

Henry's 2006–07season was marred by injuries. [ 30 ]Although he scored 10 goals in 17 domestic appearances for Arsenal, Henry's season was cut short in February. Having missed games due to hamstring, foot, and back problems, he was deemed fit enough to come on as a late substitute against PSVin a Champions Leaguematch, [ 31 ]but began limping shortly after coming on. Scans the next day revealed that he would need at least three months to heal from new groin and stomach injuries, missing the rest of the 2006–07 season. [ 32 ]Wenger attributed Henry's injuries to a protracted 2005–06 campaign, and reiterated that Henry was keen on staying with the Gunners to rebuild for the 2007–08 season. [ 30 ]
Source---wikipedia

wincyhov:

henry is ranked the best player since the epl era began behind giggs, And u are arguing


i rest my case.google is everyone's friend,use it

Ranked by whom? The only area Henry beats out Ronaldo is longevity. Pretty much everything else it's Ronaldo.

fijiano202:
Only fools say there no God

You are a complete and utter dolt. I said show me any of Henry's seasons that matched Ronaldo's seasons 07-09 not download his entire Wikipedia page.

chic2pimp:


Ranked by whom? The only area Henry beats out Ronaldo is longevity. Pretty much everything else it's Ronaldo.



You are a complete and utter dolt. I said show me any of Henry's seasons that matched Ronaldo's seasons 07-09 not download his entire Wikipedia page.

who cares?it's not as if henry nor ronaldo pays me
so i quit the disagreement
u won

I rate drogba over Henry for d simple reason that he seemed to underperform in the big games too often.
his criminally wasted chances in the f.a cup final vs Liverpool and champs league final vs Barcelona cost his team dear. Whereas drogba always seized the moment.

chic2pimp:


Ranked by whom? The only area Henry beats out Ronaldo is longevity. Pretty much everything else it's Ronaldo.



You are a complete and utter dolt. I said show me any of Henry's seasons that matched Ronaldo's seasons 07-09 not download his entire Wikipedia page.

am sure u can reas

chic2pimp:


Ranked by whom? The only area Henry beats out Ronaldo is longevity. Pretty much everything else it's Ronaldo.



You are a complete and utter dolt. I said show me any of Henry's seasons that matched Ronaldo's seasons 07-09 not download his entire Wikipedia page.

am sure u can read

wincyhov:

who cares?it's not as if henry nor ronaldo pays me
so i quit the disagreement
u won

There is no disagreement here. Simply trying to set the record. No hard feelings.

fijiano202:
am sure u can reas

Stop beating around the bush and start providing evidence to back up your claims

yoji:
I rate drogba over Henry for d simple reason that he seemed to underperform in the big games too often.
his criminally wasted chances in the f.a cup final vs Liverpool and champs league final vs Barcelona cost his team dear. Whereas drogba always seized the moment.

FACT: Henry never scored a goal in a Major Finals for either club or country