Dennis Bergkamp - The Legend
Dennis Bergkamp is regarded as one of the most gifted players ever. He produced countless champagne moments with his brilliant skills and control during his illustrious career.
Bergkamp came through Ajax’s famous youth academy which had produced the likes of Johan Cruyff and Marco Van Basten. His talent came under Cruyff’s notice and he was handed a debut at the age of 17. He quickly established himself as a regular for his hometown
club. Bergkamp won the Dutch footballer of the year award twice during his time at Ajax and scored 122 goals.
He caught the eyes of many big European clubs but it was Inter Milan who signed the striker for £12 million, making him the second most expensive player at that time. However, things didn’t go according to plan as he failed to adapt in Italian football.
After just two years in Italy he was on the move again and this time his destination was going to be Arsenal.
It didn’t take long for the non-flying Dutchman to get going in the Premier League. His arrival strengthened the Gunners who were finding it difficult to compete with Manchester United. Bergkamp helped Arsenal complete a historical league and cup double
in 1997/98 and also went on to win PFA player of the year award. He won the double again in 2001/2002 season but unfortunately couldn’t match that success in Europe. Arsenal lost to Turkish side Galatasaray in the 2000 UEFA Cup Final on penalties and six years
later they were beaten by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 in the Champions League Final.
Bergkamp decided to hang his boots at the end of the 2005/2006 season. The final match at Highbury was dedicated to the Dutch Master in recognition for his great services to the club. The first match at Arsenal’s new home, The Emirates, was a testimonial
for Bergkamp. The match was played between Arsenal and his former club Ajax.
Bergkamp made his international debut in 1990 against Italy. He was selected in the World Cup 1998 team of the tournament. He scored a memorable winning goal in the final minute of the quarter-final against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Argentina-c2841. Bergkamp controlled a 60-yard aerial
pass, brought the ball down and got past http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-Ayala-c31306, before smashing an unstoppable volley past the goalkeeper. After the Netherland’s defeat to Italy in the semifinal of Euro 2000, Bergkamp decided to retire from international football. He was the leading
goal scorer for Oranje at that time with 37 goals.
During his career, he came third in the FIFA World Player of the Year on two occasions and was also selected by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pele-c40189 in FIFA 100 greatest players.
However, putting aside the Dutchman’s skill on the ball, the Arsenal legend was gifted with a lot of other qualities off the field. Firstly, his work rate was exemplary. While a striker is rigidly demanded to ‘finish’, Bergkamp believed in putting in more
than his fair share. The former Arsenal number ten often used to come off his high line up front and assist in providing for other players. His sharp runs, his knack of being at the right place at the right time made it increasingly easy for his teammates
to perform at the best of their abilities.
As suggested, Dennis Bergkamp was a team player. His loyalty towards club and country made him an automatic choice for any manager. His influence on the young talent breaking into the national and club side made him a natural leader.
Often seen in the past, while success might be seen as the light at the end of the tunnel for aspiring sportsmen, it is also seen as a luxury that might play with your head. Dennis Bergkamp on the other hand, was one of the most modest lads you’d ever come
across.
While Dennis Bergkamp might widely be associated as the Dutchman known to be afraid of air-travel, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 and Netherland faithful alike, one would feel that he was a player that kept his head and feet firmly on the ground.
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