The first golden generation of french players was the one that cut their international teeth at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, and then went on to graduate by winning the European Championships in 1984. That team had one of the best midfields assembled at international level ever: platini, tigana, giresse & fernandez. Incidentally, Barthez was a world class keeper for France when playing at the peak of his powers in 1998 & 2000; the intermittent dodgy mistakes started to creep into his game when he began to decline as a keeper, i.e. by the time he had moved to Man Utd. The interesting thing about the 2nd golden generation of french players is that they were able to achieve success internationally without even calling on the majestic talents of Cantona & Ginola. That's a measure of how good the french were.

Domenech has already recognized the unheralded Frenchman's recent performances for Arsenal. He is a classic ball holder in the mold of Makalele.

as an arsenal team i am ashamed to say they are an spy for the french in the midst of the english. they fit all the points needed to be a spy instead of them helping out the English team the are finding out their weaknesses through the premiership and passing it on to the french national team. Arsenal are not instrested in the english national team but only instrested in the enemies team, the french and this is coming from a 15 year old

[quote]and this is coming from a 15 year old[/quote] You don't say! Michael. Arsenal under Wenger have been strapped for cash the past 4 seasons. Wenger tried to go for SWP. He could not compete with Chelsea. Arsenal have been linked with several English players in recent years. The reality is, English players are over-priced. Teams like United, Chelsea, New Castle and even Tottenham (16 million for Bent!) are driving up the market values of English players. Bentley and Pennant are from Arsenal's academy. Upson too. These players either had discipline problems or they were impatient. Ashley Cole is from Arsenal's academy. Currently, Justin Hoyte is developing into a fine RB. There are 3 players in the Reserve team (Gavin Hoyte, Lansbury and Gibbs) who are laying claims for senior team calls. Wenger is doing a fine job of keeping these players out of the spotlight. I think the jury is still out on how Arsene does not contribute to English football. Fergie had the money to buy top English talent. I don't s

Fergie had the money to buy top English talent. I don't see any academy players coming through the ranks at United. Don't go back to the class of 99. I am talking about recent seasons.

Michael is not a gooner. He is either a stupid Spur or Manure or Scouser.

They were winners taking the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship, feats that other beautiful teams like Brazil 1982 and the total football of Holland in 1974 never achieved.... Brazil and Euro Championships???

[quote]Domenech has already recognized the unheralded Frenchman's recent performances for Arsenal. He is a classic ball holder in the mold of Makalele.[/quote] yeah you're 15 thats why what you say is childish

[quote]Domenech has already recognized the unheralded Frenchman's recent performances for Arsenal. He is a classic ball holder in the mold of Makalele.[/quote] yeah you're 15 thats why what you say is childish

[quote]Domenech has already recognized the unheralded Frenchman's recent performances for Arsenal. He is a classic ball holder in the mold of Makalele.[/quote] yeah you're 15 thats why what you say is childish

I agree with the comment that Fergi is not producing players to English national team. I also partly agree with a view that Arsene is not contributing to English cause either. He could have retained Bently, Peannant, Pat Muamba or brought in Phlips Wright, Joe Cole, etc. But he opted for Diarra, Diaby and Flamini (old). With UEFA and Fifa pressing hard to set a quota in the starting 11, Arsene need to add more English based players to the squad rather than go to francophone raw talents.