Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira is still regarded to this day as one of the best players in the history of the club, after an outstanding career in North London.
Vieira was one of Arsene Wenger’s first signings, and was perhaps his most important as he went on to win three Premier League titles, and was the captain of the Invincibles side which last won the title in 2004.
The Frenchman, who also won the World Cup in 1998 alongside Emmanuel Petit, was arguably the greatest central midfielder to grace the pitch at Highbury Stadium, and one of the best the Premier League has ever seen.
Arsenal’s rivalry with Manchester United during Vieira’s time in North London was perhaps the best in Premier League history. Wenger went toe to toe with Sir Alex Ferguson at the top of the league, and every game was a fiery encounter between two teams filled with world-class players, and Vieira thought one United star was tougher than anyone else.
Patrick Vieira names Roy Keane as his toughest-ever opponent
Speaking on the Stick To Football Podcast, Vieira was asked to name the toughest player he came up against, and he did not even hesitate.
“I would say Roy (Keane), and the Man United midfield,” he stated.
Vieira named Keane as the toughest player he ever came up against in his career, and given that he featured in top-quality France, Arsenal and Inter Milan sides amongst others, it is clear that there was hatred, but now respect between the two players as they recognise the quality and grit the other brought to their teams.
Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane feuds epitomised Arsenal vs Man Utd rivalry
Arsenal’s clashes with Man United saw technical geniuses in Dennis Bergkamp and Cristiano Ronaldo face off, and goalscorers in Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry lighting up the pitch.
However, the true spectacle was in the middle of the park. Vieira and Keane were two tough-tackling captains, and both are among the best-ever midfielders in Premier League history.
The pair would face off in heated clashes which would often see fights break out and red cards given, whilst both were also excellent footballers and leaders within their own right.
In what was arguably the best rivalry in terms of both hatred and quality the Premier League has seen, Vieira and Keane were the main focus, and their aggression towards one another would start in the tunnel before the teams even entered the pitch.