Legends

Arsenal legend – Dennis Bergkamp

|

The Dutchman was acquired by Bruce Rioch in June 1995 for £7.5 million after spells at Ajax and Internazionale. Bergkamp formed his first partnership at Arsenal with Ian Wright one of which, at the time, was regarded as one of the finest pairings in the Premier League.

Bergkamp really shot to life and grew in stature whilst under the management of Arsene Wenger. In his time at Arsenal, Bergkamp played alongside Nicolas Anelka and of course the brilliant Thierry Henry, and even got the nickname ‘The Iceman’ for his cool, calculated approach to the game.

The Dutchman exemplified exactly what a second striker was about, and had to produce. Dennis Bergkamp had astonishing tactical awareness, super ball control and a remarkable deft passing ability like no other. Without a doubt, all these traits made him one of the best players ever to play in the English game and in the world.

In his 11 year career as an Arsenal player, the creative genius lifted 7 major trophies which included 3 Premier League titles and 4 F.A Cups. Bergkamp won so many individual accolades at both club and country level and was even selected by football legend Pele as one of FIFA’s 125 greatest living players of all time.

The playmaker made a total of 423 appearances for Arsenal (345 starts, 78 as a sub), made 124 assists and also bagged 120 goals along the way, all of which were absolute beauties (assists and goals that is). Dennis Bergkamp scored some outstanding goals in his day, but the one he got against Newcastle United on the 3rd of March 2002 is possibly his greatest goals in his professional career by far. Up to this day I still don’t know how he managed to pull it off, or can explain it in text what he done…So this video will explain everything:

Remarkably he never did win a FIFA World Player of the Year award, but did however manage (in 2007) to be inducted into the English Hall of Fame, making him the first and only Dutch player ever to receive this award. Tens of thousands of Arsenal fans voted the playmaker as the clubs second greatest players, in front of Tony Adams but behind Thierry Henry…it really does show how great this footballer really was. Just to see him play was a real privilege.

In my opinion, Dennis Bergkamp was the most technically gifted and visionary footballers ever to grace the Premier League, and of course play for Arsenal football club. A true master of the game, and the second best foreign player ever to wear the cannon on his chest behind Thierry Henry.

Like what you read? Then follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/Gunnersphere

Visit and Join our Facebook page, click HERE to do so.

Gunnersphere is currently looking for new writers to join the squad. Contact via twitter or at Gunnersphere@snack-media.com for further details.

Share this article

1 comment

  • Goonerbeall says:

    Check this out: Spuds are to sell a couple of players if the fail to qualify for CL. I hear those included are Lennon, Van der Vart and I think Modric and Bale will not stay.

    How about Arsenal luring Van der Vart? He would be some addition much better than Ashavin if you ask me. I am sure this season will be the last for people like Rossicky, Clichy, Bendtner, Denilson and Diaby which means we can finance the acquisitions with sales we make. I for one would love Cesc to stay but if he continue being lukeworm then £40m plus would’nt go amiss.

    We appear to be looking for players with bottle as opposed to talents with no guts that commonplace now. Nzonzi mentioned would do a Vieira and Jones can be a complete mate to Vermaelen/Djourou. Upfront the Belgian kid at Renne would be marvelous at the wing to bring Charmach into play.

    What do you think guys?

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *