The Dutch maestro

He has got skills, visions, pace, and technical abilities, which make him one of the most wanted front-lining partners at Arsenal. His sublime killer pass has been pivotal to Arsenal goal-scoring records, and his discipline has been very much unconcerned on and off the pitch. Even the king of Highbury – Theirry Henry prefers to have him upfront so that he does not have to drop deep and focus on outrunning the opponent’s defense. That pretty much sums up who the player I referred to – Dennis Bergkamp.

Bergkamp is entering his 10th season as an Arsenal player. Undeniably he has done so much so much so much for Arsenal where former legend Tony Adam could not resist to label Bergkamp as “irreplaceable”. In summer 2004, it was not even enough to shaken Adam with the highly possible exit of influential captain P. Vieira. What Adam did take into consideration for his beloved club was the day when D. Bergkamp hangs his boots up, sharing his views on Bergkamp whose contribution to Arsenal is simply matchless.

His countless passes that sent his partnering marksman wild are simply remarkable & irresistible. In 2004-05 seasons, he managed to net 8 goals but that is just the tip of an ‘iceBerg’. Bergkamp has significantly impressed in goal creation, assisting 13 times in EPL. Only two players outclassed him in top flight – F. Lampard (14) & teammate T. Henry (16). The best goal Dennis has ever scored has got to be the one against Newcastle on 2001. Before his low drive to releasing the ball to pass Given, Bergkamp was faced with tight defence he cleverly flicked the ball and made a turn sending the defender all in vain. That was, I personally reckon, where the magic happened.

His commitment to the Red & White shirt is never questionable. With his professionalism, Bergkamp is a true great and pure class.
Rhys Wood said “Thank God there are still players like Henry, Bergkamp, Maldini, Costacurta, Puyol, Javier Zanetti, and so on who are still at their clubs not for the money they earn, but for the sheer joy they have and the love they have for their club”.

If that is, seems likely, Bergkamp’s last season, is it not coincidental that we are saying goodbye to two existing entities at Arsenal next season – Highbury and Bergkamp? When 2006-07 season kicks off, they will sorely be missed after tremendous amount of memorable moments they have given us.