No African footballer has won more trophies with Arsenal than Lauren, and when his wider career achievements are considered, a strong case can be made that he remains one of the most underrated members of the Invincibles. Alongside his success in north London, he also lifted two AFCONS and an Olympic gold medal, achievements that underline his standing in the game.
His legacy also challenges the long-held myth that Arsène Wenger lacked defensive expertise and merely inherited a strong back four. Lauren’s emergence as a key figure is evidence of careful planning and development rather than fortune. With Lee Dixon approaching retirement in 2002, Wenger placed his trust in Lauren after just one season of adapting to English football, installing him as first-choice right back.
A modern full back ahead of his time
On one flank, Lauren was complemented by Ashley Cole on the other, and together they helped redefine the role of the modern full back. Both were vital attacking outlets while remaining defensively reliable. Lauren, in particular, was an exceptional all-rounder. He could attack with purpose, defend aggressively, and was composed enough to take penalties when required.
Beyond his technical qualities, his mentality set him apart. Arsenal have arguably missed that type of personality for decades, someone unwilling to be bullied and prepared to stand up for teammates. The Battle of Old Trafford remains a defining example. Rightly or wrongly, the Cameroonian was among the first to defend Martin Keown when Manchester United players became confrontational. Although he was later fined for his conduct, many Arsenal supporters admired his commitment and bravery.
An abrupt ending and lasting connection
Few realised it at the time, but when Lauren left the pitch injured against Wigan, it would be his final appearance for the Gunners. After spending a year sidelined, all parties downplayed the seriousness of his knee injury to allow a move to Portsmouth. While he went on to win another FA Cup at Pompey, it was clear that his body could no longer match his determination.
Since retiring, Lauren has maintained a strong bond with Arsenal through his role as the club’s African ambassador. He continues to represent Arsenal at events, as well as football and educational clinics, ensuring his influence endures long after his playing days ended.
______________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
Great player….!
Have to say Timber slowly becoming a similar force at Rb. Long way to go to match Lauren’s achievements though
Eloquently written article. Really like the whole African gunner series. Lauren undoubtedly the best and underrated. Hopefully one day we find the next Lauren
Thank you mate
My understanding is that Lauren was a midfielder before he joined – never really understood if he was a right or centre mid, but I’m quite sure he was one of the many players wenger converted for the good of the team and their careers (along with Toure, Ljungberg, Henry and possibly pires(?) just from that one great side – not sure if Ashley Cole playing lb was down to AW as well, or if his conversion started before he played in the first team?).
I’ve seen this point about Wenger’s inability to build a defence being a myth a few times in this series of articles – it *is* a myth that Wenger *only* inherited a great defence as many people seem to think the invincibles were built on Adams, bould, known, winterburn and Dixon, which is commonly said and is completely false – the entire first 11 and the bulk of that squad was players wenger signed/brought through and moulded into a great team – however he did struggle to put together a strong defence after that, for whatever reason (by contrast he rarely struggled to put out a strong attacking lineup). There is a false myth about Wenger’s success, just think it’s slightly different to the one mentioned here.
Mate if you bring in defenders who win Prems it means you know how to build a defense
Hence we haven’t since
He did it once but struggled to do it again – not taking anything away, he built our best ever team brick by brick and deserves all the credit for that, but what happened afterwards? did he forget how to do it? It was obvious watching that defence was less of a priority for a long time after that, hence we were so open to the counter attack. It’s not just about money, there were a lot of basic issues with he team defensively that everyone could see
My ultimate dark skin gunner eleven
Ospinal
Lauren campbell. B,gabi. A,cole
Gilberto viera
Saka. Kanu. Alexis
Henry
Please dan work on this topic it will be intresting
I’m really not sure about this request, I’m not ‘woke’ but it just doesn’t sit right with me. I’m happy to be shot down but I think Dan’s excellent articles have been about players from a particular continent rather than skin colour?
Yeah think he’s trolling mate so just let it go over your head
It’s a big shame I didn’t get the chance to contribute more to the African top ten Gunners series.
But what I do remember about Lauren, he rarely was in the lime light except taking penalties.
Very calm and just get on with his game.
A very solid player, and just like Timber more often than not a 7+. He even popped up with the occasional goal as well.
What a great player and servant to Arsenal he was.
Great call Dan.
In my opinion it’s debatable between him and Kolo, but they’re both legends in their own right. No sense arguing the difference 🙂
Yes Lauren deserves the no. 1 spot of African Gunners. He’s disciplined on and off the pitch. His calmness and perfection in taking pens is extraordinary. Never a controversial figure. He primarily showed players can even become more successful after switching positions. Lauren was an important jigsaw in the Invincibles triumphs. Tireless like the present day Timber.