Arsene Wenger was discussing all things Arsenal and the Premier League at the Football Writer’s Association Awards.
Wenger’s contribution to Arsenal is ingrained in the Gunners’ history, being a pioneer in North London and, the English game.
Mikel Arteta will hope to have an impact even half as successful as his former manager, as the Spaniard looks to deliver overdue silverware to the Emirates.
While Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League since Wenger led the unbeaten class of 2003/04, there’s still a glimmer of hope to claim the prize this year.
Arsene Wenger praises Dennis Bergkamp’s impact on the Premier League
Past and present, Arsenal possess some of the brightest talent in Europe, with Arteta reaping the benefits of academy product Bukayo Saka most notably.
While Wenger himself thinks Saka is ‘world-class’, the former Arsenal manager believes a different player had the most impact during his time in North London.
Speaking to Sky Sports at the Football Writer’s Association Awards, Wenger waxed lyrical about Dennis Bergkamp, lauding the Dutchman as a figure who did something ‘not many players do’.
“He [Bergkamp] was a perfectionist who had a huge love and passion for the game, he had a great desire to be as good as he could be, which not many players do. That’s why I believe his passion for the game was absolute.”
The Frenchman’s appreciation for his former midfielder did not stop there, as he credited Bergkamp for bringing a new level to England courtesy of his upbringing in the Netherlands.
“The DNA of Dutch football, that love for perfect technique, that love for the perfect moment is something that he got certainly from his childhood that he fortunately brought to England.”
Wenger continued by adding fellow Arsenal legend Thierry Henry into the mix.
“I would say that he [Bergkamp] has contributed to the reputation of the Premier League all over the world. Today I travel a lot in the world and everywhere I go I get Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, so I realise that these guys did a lot for the development of the Premier League as a world brand.
“This was the important period, ‘95 to ‘05 when the Premier League became big in the world. These kinds of players contributed to it.”
Dennis Bergkamp is one of Arsenal’s most adored legends
Bergkamp’s impact on Arsenal amounted to three Premier League and four FA Cup winners medals as well as 235 goal contributions in 422 appearances.
While the Dutchman thrived on the pitch, he was just as special away from the action, being one of the most popular ex-players amongst his former teammates.
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 315 | 87 | 96 |
| Eredivisie | 185 | 103 | 19 |
| Serie A | 52 | 11 | 9 |
| UEFA Cup | 42 | 22 | 7 |
| Champions League | 40 | 7 | 7 |
| FA Cup | 38 | 14 | 7 |
Ian Wright couldn’t hide his excitement when Bergkmap joined Arsenal back in 1995, with the former striker being one of many to adore the retired midfielder.
Bergkamp also left Henry spellbound by his ability, being the glue to the Gunners’ early success under Wenger.
While the Dutchman is now enjoying the Premier League from afar, Bergkamp remains a constant at Arsenal, cast in bronze outside of the Emirates Stadium.
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