BEVERLY HILLS, May 19, (THEWILL) – It was only a matter of time before the induction of the incredible Dutchman and one of Arsenal’s Invincibles, Dennis Bergkamp, made the striker become the latest former player to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame after the recent inductees.
Bergkamp joins ex-Arsenal team-mate and French striker Thierry Henry as well as Newcastle’s Alan Shearer, the Manchester United duo of Eric Cantona and Roy Keane and Chelsea’s Frank Lampard in receiving the League’s highest individual honour with his induction.
The forward moved to Highbury, Arsenal’s old home, in 1995 from Serie A giants Inter Milan and was the catalyst for a transformation of the English Premier League. His playmaker role added a new level of technical ability and skill that elevated the competition and attracted other stars from overseas that generally improved the EPL.
In reaction to his induction, Bergkamp said: “It feels special to be part of a small group of players who got the recognition of playing in the strongest league in the world. I’m honoured.
“I’m extremely proud if people say that I was one of the first foreign players who added something to the English game. The Premier League most definitely made me a better player. From the moment I arrived in England I’ve embraced the English mentality and passion for football, it suited me and my style of play.
“Playing every game against good and tough opponents meant I improved all the time. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
The records he set have stood the test of time to demonstrate his exceptional talent. He was the first Dutch player to score a hat-trick in the competition with a memorable August 1997 treble at Leicester City in the East Midlands. In 1999, he set another PL record with four assists in a 5-0 win over Leicester again, a record that still stands.
To cement his genius, he holds the record for the best goal in the Premier League’s first 25 years, for his magnificent turn and finish at Newcastle United in 2002, according to a fan vote.
In Bergkamp’s 315 appearances for the Gunners in the EPL, he was directly involved in 181 Premier League goals for Arsenal, which is second only to the 249 of the legend himself, Henry. Bergkamp scored 87 of those, assisted in 94 on his way to three EPL titles.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.