Thierry Henrys impending move to Barcelona robs Arsenal of their captain, record goalscorer and talismanic striker of the past eight years. Worse than that, it deprives them of a 29-year-old who, with a change in role, might have been their inspiration for another five years.

Like Henry, Roberto Baggio was once an astonishing striker and matchwinner, blessed with pace and ball skills in equal measure.

Partly due to injury, but also to age, Baggios role changed in his latter years as he moved back from the frontline into a playmaking behind one or two strikers.

He continued to be a great player. His basic talent was undimmed, the lack of blistering pace was less important and his experience brought the ability to read the game and provide defence-splitting passes.

One speciality was a lifted pass over the top of a static back four, struck with enough backspin to make the ball sit up, instead of run forward, on the first bounce. It meant a striker timing his run could dash through and shoot without bringing the ball under control. Try doing it at home, let alone in a packed San Siro.

That role, which Dennis Bergkamp occupied in his final seasons with Arsenal, would have been tailor-made for Henry. His dribbling and deftly-weighted passing already put him in the upper reaches of the assist charts.

He has already changed roles once before under Arsene Wenger, who turned him from a left winger into a centre forward. As a second striker, or even at the top of a central diamond, protected by a holding midfielder, Henry could have been a devastating player for Arsenal well into his 30s.

Now it is an option for Barca coach Frank Rijkaard, particularly if Ronaldinho were to make his exit, while the Gunners are left to face an uncertain future.

Henrys boots were the key to Arsenals success. Who can fill them now?

Trevor Huggins, London