Waiting For Freddie

come on Freddie, go! GO!

In 2002 Dennis Bergkamp played a vital role in the run-in to the title. Many will remember that Newcastle goal but his influence on creating goals for others was crucial to winning the league that year, as the Gunners piled on 13 straight wins in the home stretch to claim glory.

In December of that season, the Arsenal faced Juventus in the Champions League. The lasting memory from that match is one of Bergkamp dancing along the edge of the penalty area, ball glued to his foot, toying with his defender. Freddie Ljungberg lies in wait only a few yards away, seemingly as mesmerized by the Dutchman’s footwork as the Juventus players. In an instant Dennis rolls the ball back, Freddie darts in, and the pass meets him in stride. Goal.

There's Only One Dennis Bergkamp

"I play a different kind of game"

The caption above is from a chapter entitled "A Short Interview About Killing" in David Winners Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer."  The quote is the conclusion of a conversation between Dennis Bergkamp himself and the author, the by-product of a chance encounter after an interview with someone else. Winner pressed the Dutchman about the imbalance of his relatively low goals return with respect to his outstanding ability as a striker.

Walking In A Bergkamp Wonderland

that goal against Newcastle

The only thing missing from this drawing is the brick that Nikos Dabizas shat right after that indelible flick and turn from Dennis Bergkamp. To add insult to injury he was muscled off the ball by the Dutchman, who then gave Shay Given the eyes to the near post and passed it into the far corner cool as you like.