Playing squads are full of individuals from different backgrounds, which makes the sport as great as it is in the modern era. Whilst the action on the pitch is arguably of a higher quality and continues to improve, the fact that individuals of all backgrounds can play the game is also just something that makes things rather excellent, as well.
Indeed, there will be some concern amongst those that follow their country across the world in all the major competitions as there will be concerns that their up-and-coming stars are not able to get into teams and develop in the ways many hope for, however there have been movements to try and protect that in regards to homegrown quotas being introduced.
Nonetheless, there was once a time where clubs could field anyone they liked without falling foul of regulations and an Arsenal side led by Arsene Wenger managed to take it to a whole new level in September 2006 when they travelled to Germany to face Hamburg in a Champions League match. Speaking of the UEFA Champions League, avid bettors can look to place wagers with bookmakers sbobet when the competition resumes.
Once Kolo Toure had to be replaced – which subsequently brought Justin Hoyte onto the pitch – the Gunners had a playing XI that each represented a different nationality. Even two players managed to share the same first name, which is perhaps rarer considering the sheer number of names available in the world.
These are the men that played on that night that will likely be remembered by those that regularly attend a quiz night in the local pub once a week:
Jens Lehmann – Germany
Emmanuel Eboue – Ivory Coast
Johan Djourou – Switzerland
William Gallas – France
Justin Hoyte – England
Tomas Rosicky – Czech Republic
Gilberto Silva – Brazil
Cesc Fabregas – Spain
Alexander Hleb – Belarus
Emmanuel Adebayor – Togo
Robin van Persie – Holland
As mentioned, it is impossible to see a line-up like that again, especially in many of Europe’s top leagues and the continental competitions as clubs need to follow certain rules and regulations. There will be some suggestion that the XI that Wenger chose would go on to bring in these particular rules as a matter of urgency, though.
Nonetheless, the Gunners would go on to win 2-1 with goals courtesy of a Gilberto Silva penalty in the tenth minute – which saw the opponent’s goalkeeper sent off – and a Rosicky strike in the second half, before they were tested with a nervy ending to proceedings; however the excitement on that night will constantly have been felt by those using gclub on a daily basis!
