Is it just me or does anyone else get worked up when that Gooner trying to feel clever repeats the ridiculous assertion that Bergkamp is our best ever player or better than Henry. It's a patent falsehood I see too regularly to ignore on several Arsenal forums. About as irritating as those clueless people who claim Xavi or Iniesta are more important to Barca than Messi! Do they realize they're talking about King Henry (okay - now I'm feeling like those cringe-worthy Scousers)? I love Bergkamp. He's my 4th favourite Arsenal player of my lifetime -others being Henry, Pires and Viera in that other- but there's no way he was better than the EPL G.O.A.T. That's utter folly.
I take it this was referring to my post on the other thread Well sorry mate but that's just the way it is, if you want to believe that henry was better that's up to you, and most arsenal fans under 25 will probably agree with you, as a lot will not really remember the bergkamp of the mid to late 90s. If you want to look at it in goals then again most would say henry. I still believe that bergkamp and pieres were part of the reason henry looked so good, as the three of them together were probably the most creative trio of players in one team that I have ever seen. But Henry is currently 34 years of age, and now plays in the USA, it would have been impossible to keep up that level at his age. While bergkamp at the same age was part of the invincible team, thats what made him the best arsenal player IMO, as he got older he adapted and was still an integral part of the team, while henry couldn't sustain his level, that why he mow plays in the USA. Its an age old debate that will probably be going on for years by arsenal fans, but my own preference is Bergkamp
Agreed, henry was awesome but in the way ronaldo is awesome. It's a (admittedly lengthy) purple patch but it relied so heavily on his athleticism. Bergkamp was the most intelligent player I've ever seen and that's why his time at the top lasted so much longer. He evolved his game to compensate for his wearying legs. But both would easily be in the top 5 premier league greats, probably the top 3.
Goodness me! You guys are only confirming how viral this has gone. Truly incredible. Quick question- would you rather have a peak Bergkamp or a peak Henry in this current Arsenal side? Honest answers please. Saying Bergkamp is better is no different from a United fan claiming Cantona was better than C. Ronaldo.
I did the "legends" tour of the stadium with Charlie George a couple of years ago.At the end we had a Q&A session.One of the questions asked was who was the best Arsenal player Charlie had seen.Charlie's answer was Denis Bergkamp On the subject of TH14,i don't think he was even as good as Liam Brady
I can't see why people HAVE to compare and try to decide best ever. I just know they BOTH did wonders for us.
It may surprise you to know, but some of us based our opinions on actually having observed both players play for Arsenal!
I can only conclude players like Bergkamp, Cantona and Le Tissier had an aura and a charisma about them which players like Henry and C. Ronaldo don't have which leads to this misleading romantic notions. Anyone who can seriously claim he'll have Bergkamp over the devastating beast that was Henry either has no clue about the game or is a bare-faced liar. I may come across as bigotted on this one but it's clear as crystal. Over the past 2 decades, Ronaldo de Lima and Van Basten are probably the only strikers I'd put over Henry. I honestly can't believe what I'm reading here. Are your memories that short? Incredible.
Bergkamp is the best player i've ever seen in the premiership. He had that magical ability to get you out of your seat when he was on the ball, because something incredible would happen.
I think it depends on what you prefer. Henry was about pure physicality; strength, speed, determination and his precise finishing ability was technically the best I've ever seen. Dennis didn't have that speed or agility so had to be more clever in how he played, his close ball control was amazing and he had that 'intelligence' whereby he could spot a pass even if he was facing the opposite direction! I have an Arsenal centurion's DVD that I occassionally watch and Bergkamp's shooting ability outside of the box was also better; lobs, curled finishes from 25 yards or screamers from even further. Another difference is Bergkamp's goals usually came from personal skill, creating that extra bit of space in order to get the shot away. TH would use his pace to get past defenders. Apples and pears, at the end of the day.
Its a hard one but i am going for Dennis, And the reason for this is I was a 10 year old boy walking through london with my mum, i was wearing the old yellow away top with gunners on the ass, when i voice from behind me said -' I like your shirt, great printed name' I turned around and it was the man himself Dennis Bergkamp. I was star shocked he was my idol, He gracefully signed my shirt and as we were going for a highbury tour he walked us to the stadium. True gentleman, swear he was eyeing up my mum though... THIS IS A TRUE STORY