Lee Dixon Hails Arsenal Star as “One of the Best in the World” After Crystal Palace Win
Former Arsenal defender and club legend Lee Dixon has lavished praise on one standout Gunner following Arsenal’s impressive victory over Crystal Palace, describing the player as “one of the best in the world” after a dominant all-round performance.
The Gunners’ latest win was another statement of intent in their pursuit of silverware this season, but it was the influence of one individual that truly stole the spotlight. Speaking after the match, Dixon underlined how the Arsenal star’s contribution went far beyond goals or assists, insisting his performance was central to the way Mikel Arteta’s side controlled the game.
From the opening whistle, the Arsenal man dictated his area of the pitch with intelligence, physicality and composure. He consistently won duels, recovered possession and set the tempo with calm, accurate distribution, leaving Crystal Palace struggling to build any sustained momentum. Time and again, Arsenal’s structure—anchored by his presence—snuffed out danger before it could develop.
Dixon was particularly impressed by the player’s reading of the game, positional discipline and leadership, traits he believes define the modern elite footballer. “It’s not just about technical quality anymore,” Dixon explained. “You need awareness, consistency and the ability to make everyone around you better—and he does that every week.”
Coming from a figure of Dixon’s stature, the praise carries extra weight. A Premier League winner and member of Arsenal’s famous Invincibles side, Dixon knows what world-class standards look like, and he does not hand out such accolades lightly. He stressed that the Arsenal star delivers at an exceptional level regardless of the opponent or pressure of the occasion.
For Mikel Arteta, the performance is further proof that he has a cornerstone within his squad—someone capable of guiding the team through the most demanding phases of matches and across a long season. As Arsenal continue to push for honours both domestically and in Europe, having a player operating at this level could prove decisive.
While the win over Crystal Palace may ultimately be remembered as just another three points, Dixon’s reaction highlights a bigger picture: Arsenal boast a player at the peak of his powers, earning recognition not only as one of the Premier League’s finest, but as one of the very best in world football.
