William Gallas

Name William Gallas
Born August 17, 1977
Asnières
France
Position Defender
Squad Number 10
Previous Club(s) Caen
Marseille
Chelsea
Joined Arsenal August 31, 2006
Arsenal Debut Middlesbrough (h)
Premiership
September 9, 2006,
Drew 1-1


10. William Gallas


William Gallas will captain Arsenal this season, replacing Thierry Henry who has left the Club to join Barcelona.

The deal which saw William swap places with Ashley Cole last summer could prove to be something of a coup for Arsenal. The former Chelsea star has bags of experience and has proved himself time and again at the highest level.

Injuries hampered William's first season at Emirates Stadium. He missed three months with a thigh injury and, like Thierry Henry, suffered something of a hangover after helping France reach the World Cup Final in Germany.

William showed signs of his best form towards the end of last season. His partnership with Kolo Toure is gradually blossoming and has the potential to be the best in the Premiership. William's versatility is a plus - he filled in at left back early last season - and he pops up with the odd goal too.

If William stays fit, his experience and undoubted quality will be a real asset to Arsène Wenger's young squad this season.
                                          
                                              My Year

April

There was a succession of captain’s performance from William as he didn’t miss a minute throughout April. He led the side through their rough patch and helped them finish the month strongly.

March

The Club captain’s goal against Bolton was impeccable in its timing and delivery. Volleying home at the far post, William set Arsenal en-route to a stunning comeback. He had earlier featured in all the games that the Gunners played in March. The Frenchman was also involved in his country’s win over England.

February

William adapted comfortably to life alongside Philippe Senderos and led the team throughout the month, not missing a minute. The Frenchman helped keep World Player of the Year, Kaka, quiet, and ensured Arsenal remained on top of the Premier League pile.

January

William was typically resolute during January. Featuring six times, the Frenchman continued to grow as a leader. He admitted that, after the Carling Cup defeat to Spurs, he needed to call on all his leadership skills to pick the team up.

December

Captain fantastic William Gallas tormented his former club in what was his highlight of December — scoring the decisive goal against Chelsea. The Frenchman nodded home what was his only goal of the month, but also continued to impress both defensively and as a leader.

November

Being rested for the final game of the month was just reward for the captain after an outstanding run of form for Arsenal. William scored two goals, and produced some sterling defensive performances. His never-say-die attitude and exceptional leadership skills shone through and led to comparisons from Kolo Toure to great captains like Tony Adams and Patrick Vieira. William won the O2 Arsenal.com Player of the Month award with 57 per cent of the votes.

October

William returned to domestic and international action in October, joining up with France for their games with the Faroe Islands and Lithuania, before donning the red and white of Arsenal for the first time since August. He played every minute of the games against Bolton, Slavia Prague and Liverpool, making a superb tackle to deny Steven Gerrard right at the death.