7. Dennis Bergkamp
And now to Van Persie's inspiration, another Dutch master, Dennis Bergkamp. A £7.5 million transfer from Inter Milan brought Bergkamp to Arsenal, and it rapidly became apparent that he possesed unparalled technical ability. Bergkamp was key in the move from "Boring Boring Arsenal" to the beautiful flowing football of the Arsène Wenger era, no doubt helped by his education in Cruyffian "total football" at the Ajax youth academy. Playing as a second striker, Bergkamp scored and created goals with a cold efficiency which led to him being dubbed "The Iceman". Goals such as his masterful touch and finish against Newcastle in 2002 only endeared him more to the Arsenal supporters His partnerships with Ian Wright and later Thierry Henry are the stuff of legends, and helped Arsenal to 4 F.A. Cups and 3 Premier League titles during his time at the club. In a poll on the official Arsenal website, Bergkamp was voted their second greatest player of all time, confirming his enduring place in the hearts of Gooners everywhere.
Max Lindon
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A teenager born in London but living in Hertfordshire, Max is currently working through his A levels. He enjoys football, video games, and writing about himself in the third person.
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