There's Only One Dennis Bergkamp

When Bergkamp moved to Arsenal FC in 1995, nobody could have predicted the transformation he would have on the English game. At the time, managed under Bruce Rioch, the north London side were known as ‘Boring Boring Arsenal’. Yet within the space of a year they were suddenly the sexiest team in the country because they had the Dutchman orchestrating their play.

This type of ‘glamorous signing’ was a first for Arsenal and something new to most English teams. Here was a player who was fully established in his national squad and with his best playing days ahead of him choosing to ply his trade in England.

However, it took the forward seven games to make the net bulge wearing the red of Arsenal in his opening season. Although, it did not take long before he became a firm favourite in the Highbury terraces. His contributions were essential in Arsenal qualifying for the UEFA Cup via a fifth place finish. Bergkamp even scored the winner against Bolton on the final day of the season to assure the league position.

In his second year in England, he was joined by Arsene Wenger who took over the reins at Highbury. Both shared similar visions in how football should be played, believing in healthy eating, quick passing and composed finishing. This understanding was instrumental in the success Wenger has achieved in his time at Arsenal.

Another Frenchman joined Arsenal a couple years later who wold have as big an impact as Wenger, but this time on the field as well as off it. Thierry Henry joined the Gunners from Monaco in 1999 and went on to form a formidable partnership with Bergkamp in seven years playing together. The prolific Frenchman described Bergkamp as “a dream of a striker”.

During his spell in England, Bergkamp won three Premier League honours and four FA Cup’s as well as being named PFA Player’s Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year in 1997/98.

Bergkamp will always be remembered in England as one of the finest imports to the Premier League, yet he will mainly be remembered in London as a living legend.