 Lauren who played as a midfielder for Real Mallorca was shifted as a right-back when he joined Arsenal.Wenger initially replaced left-back Nigel Winterburn with Sylvinho, but an injury to the defender allowed Ashley Cole to take his place as first pick by the 2000–01 season.In midfield Gilberto Silva partnered Vieira, and Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires each played either side of them on the wings.