Former Arsenal defender and club legend Lee Dixon has heaped praise on one Arsenal star after the Gunners’ impressive victory over Crystal Palace, hailing him as “one of the best in the world” following a commanding all-round performance.
Arsenal’s win over Palace was another statement of intent in their pursuit of silverware, but beyond the result, it was the individual display of the standout performer that caught the eye of pundits and supporters alike. Speaking after the match, Dixon was full of admiration, stressing that the player’s influence went far beyond the headline moments and was central to Mikel Arteta’s system functioning at such a high level.
The Arsenal star in question dominated his area of the pitch from the first whistle, combining intelligence, physicality and composure. Whether it was winning duels, recovering possession, or setting the tempo with assured distribution, he appeared a step ahead of everyone else on the pitch. Crystal Palace found it increasingly difficult to build sustained attacks, largely because Arsenal’s structure—anchored by this player—snuffed out danger before it could develop.
Dixon highlighted how modern football demands more than just technical ability, and this is where the Arsenal man truly excels. His reading of the game, positional discipline and leadership were all on display, allowing teammates around him to play with confidence and freedom. According to Dixon, it is these qualities that separate elite players from merely very good ones.
What makes the praise even more significant is Dixon’s own pedigree. As a former Premier League title winner and Invincible, he knows exactly what world-class consistency looks like. For him to label the Arsenal star as “one of the best in the world” is not something he does lightly. He pointed out that the player performs at an exceptionally high level week after week, regardless of the opponent or the pressure of the occasion.
For Arteta, this performance was further evidence that he has a genuine cornerstone in his squad—someone capable of leading Arsenal through the most demanding phases of matches and seasons. As the Gunners continue to challenge domestically and in Europe, having a player operating at this level could prove decisive.
The Crystal Palace win may be remembered as just another three points, but the reaction from Lee Dixon underlines something bigger: Arsenal possess a player at the peak of his powers, earning recognition not just as a top Premier League performer, but as one of the very best in world football.
