Thierry is one of world football's most electrifying talents. The French striker's skill, pace, eye for goal and selfless team play would improve any side on the planet but he is happy to remain the jewel in Arsenal's crown.

Thierry was untouchable in the Premiership last term, racking up 25 goals and 14 assists despite missing the run-in through injury. He scored five more in Europe and starts the new season just four short of Ian Wright's Club record of 185 goals.As usual, the Frenchman was in the frame for individual honours in 2004/05. For a second successive year Thierry finished second in the World and European Player of the Year polls, but he scooped the Arsenal.com Player of the Season prize.

Thierry will be 28 early in the 2005/06 campaign and he shows no signs of fading. That is good news for Arsenal and, with a World Cup around the corner, France too