Euro 2012 Players to Watch: Nicklas Bendtner of Denmark http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1195469-euro-2012-players-to-watch-nicklas-bendtner-of-denmark When Nicklas Bendtner came on for Tomas Rosicky in the 72nd minute at Craven Cottage on Aug. 12, 2007, it looked like a sign of positive things to come for Arsenal. The lanky Dane, just 19 then, immediately inserted himself into the Gunners' attacking dynamic, even providing a then-rare asset with his height (he's 6'3"). It looked to be only a matter of time before he'd be one of the most important players at the club. But that has not proved to be the case. Bendtner has generated more headlines for a series of untoward off-field incidents, which he's proven far more consistent at generating than actual goals. There have been moments of brilliance (check out his goal against Ipswich Town on YouTube if you haven't already), but Bendtner has never seemed able to channel his considerable talent and made himself an indispensable option to Arsene Wenger. Thus, it was little wonder that Wenger allowed Bendtner to head to Sunderland on a season-long loan this past August. THE REST IS UP TO YOU. worth a punt,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I dont think so. In Numbers Bendtner was a consistent starter for Sunderland this season, racking up eight goals and five assists in 29 league appearances for the Black Cats. He has made no secret of his desire to leave Arsenal for pastures greener (although where he'll find a better playing surface than the Emirates remains to be seen), and will likely be leaving London this summer on a full transfer. Whether he will stay on at Sunderland remains to be seen. With Denmark, Bendtner has long enjoyed being the first-choice option at center forward, and he is now the main man in attack following the retirement of Jon Dahl Tomasson last summer. Bendtner has been a consistent starter for years at the national level, and was an integral component to a decent showing by the Danes at the 2010 World Cup. When on form, Bendtner combines a terrific technical capacity with an innate eye for goal. It speaks to his prowess that he's made it a habit of putting in superb shifts during Denmark's biggest games. To wit, it was Bendtner's braceâthe second of which was a sumptuous long-range effortâthat backed a crucial 2-0 win over Norway last September, which proved crucial in their qualifying campaign. That win brought them level on points with Portugal, whom Denmark would eventually pass to win their group outright. In all, Bendtner grabbed three goals in his five appearances during the qualifying campaign, emerging tied with Dennis Rommedahl for the distinction Denmark's top scorer. (Rommedahl appeared in three more matches than did Bendtner.) He has 17 goals in 46 career appearances since making his debut at the senior national level in 2006, or a goal every 2.7 matches. What to Expect Bendtner is no stranger to major competitions, having appeared in all three of Denmark's group stage matches at South Africa 2010. He grabbed a goalâquite a good one at that, against Cameroon, and the confidence (well, he's not really lacking in that department) that comes with scoring a goal in the World Cup should do him, and Denmark, some good this summer. A good showing from Bendtner will be essential should Denmark hope to escape their group in Euro 2012, which is littered with powers Netherlands and Germany (both favorites to win the competition), along with Portugal. Bendtner was on the pitch when Denmark defeated Portugal last October to win their group, grabbing the key second goal in the 2-1 win. He has scored in each of the three competitive matches he's played against Portugal. He will certainly not be fazed by the competition in Poland and Ukraine, and it wouldn't be too great a stretch to think he will nab at least a goal. Denmark are long odds to escape the group, however. What They Say About Him Denmark manager Morten Olsen spoke about Bendtner when he named him to his initial 20-man squad (he's since announced three additional players to bring the total to 23). Olsen said Bendtner is "an important piece" in the Danish puzzle, and noted that the striker's role will include linking up play as well as scoring goals. "He is very good in combinations," Olsen said. Bendtner has been linked with a move to repeat Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund, but has refused to be drawn in on the topic, devoting his attention completely to the upcoming competition. "I have stated all the time that I am focused on the European Championship," Bendtner said. "When it is finished, I will handle my club situation." Undaunted by the difficult task of getting through Group "B" to the knockout stages, Bendtner responded to questions about Denmark's chances at the Euros with this assessment. "I always go into everything with the same attitudeâto win. It doesn't matter what it is. First, we need to try to concentrate on getting out of the group. After that, anything can happen."
