THE BIG INTERVIEW - EX-ARSENAL PLAYER, DAVID HILLIER

THE ARSENAL OPINION - BY LE GROVE

Johnny Cochrane has been on podcast FIRE this week - today, he interviewed David Hillier. It’s a great listen, below is the summary for you to gorge on! x

**Podcast Summary:**

**00:00:01 - Introduction and Welcome**

- Introduction to the podcast and its special guest, former Arsenal Premier League player David Hillier.

- David expresses excitement for the new football season and reflects on his lifelong involvement in football.

**00:03:01 - Collecting Panini Stickers**

- Host shares a childhood memory of collecting Panini stickers and having multiple David Hillier stickers but not Ian Wright.

- Humorous exchange about the rarity of Ian Wright stickers and the exchange rate among friends.

**00:03:22 - Hottest of Takes: David Hillier**

- David Hillier discusses his "hottest of takes" about the current state of football.

- Criticism of referees seeking celebrity status and their impact on the game.

**00:07:05 - Arsenal's Upcoming Season**

- Optimistic outlook for Arsenal's upcoming season, comparing it to Liverpool's turnaround.

- Confidence in Arsenal's potential to be "absolute killers" next season and win the league.

**00:11:01 - Personal Reflections on Football Career**

- David reflects on his football career, training with Arsenal from a young age, and the privilege of signing with the team.

- Discussion on the difference between the old system of selecting players and the modern academy system.

**00:18:02 - Premier League vs. Division One**

- Comparison between playing in Division One and the Premier League.

- Insights into the transition period and the financial aspects of football during that time.

**00:21:01 - Footballing Regrets**

- David shares his regrets, including not staying with Arsenal under Arsene Wenger and missing the opportunity to be part of Wenger's team.

- Reflects on decisions made during his career and their impact.

**00:26:00 - Comparing Managers: George Graham, Arsene Wenger, and Mikel Arteta**

- Analysis of the managerial styles and successes of George Graham, Arsene Wenger, and Mikel Arteta.

- Discussion on how each manager fits into Arsenal's history and their unique contributions.

**00:31:00 - Mikel Arteta's Greatness**

- Debate on whether Mikel Arteta is already great or becoming great.

- Arteta's attention to detail and tactical approach, and how it compares to previous managers.

**00:37:00 - Dressing Room Dynamics and Team Harmony**

- Impact of a player becoming a problem in the dressing room and how it affects team dynamics.

- Reflection on modern players' attitudes and how it contrasts with the past.

**00:40:04 - Era Exchange: Modern vs. Past Players**

- Discussion on how modern players like Martin Ødegaard would fit into past Arsenal teams and vice versa.

- Evaluation of the physicality and playing styles across different eras.

**00:51:00 - Player Wish List and Areas of Improvement**

- Areas of concern for the current Arsenal squad and the potential impact of new signings.

- Ivan Toney as a potential signing and the benefits and risks associated with his character.

**00:56:22 - Arsenal Super Soldier: Building the Perfect Player**

- David Hillier builds his perfect Arsenal player using characteristics from past and present players.

- Choices include Thierry Henry's right foot, Mesut Özil's left foot, Alan Smith's heading ability, and Gervinho's hairstyle.

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