Dennis Bergkamp inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame

Legendary Dutch striker and former Arsenal footballer Dennis Bergkamp has been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. Bergkamp joins his former Invincibles team-mate, Thierry Henry, alongside Alan Shearer, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Frank Lampard. The Dutch footballer scored 87 goals in 315 Premier League appearances for Arsenal after signing from Inter Milan in 1995. This includes arguably one of the greatest strikes in Premier League history with pirouette and finish at Newcastle in 2003. Bergkamp further claimed 94 assists in the Premier League, which is a club record for Arsenal.

The Dutch striker is fondly known as the “Iceman”, due to his ability to remain cool and calm under pressure. Bergkamp flourished under Arsene Wenger, making his presence felt as a game-changer. He was one of the vital contributors in the Arsenal squad that won the Premier League title in 1998, 2002 and again as member of the Invincibles, who went unbeaten during the 2003/04 season.

“Extremely Proud”

“I’m extremely proud if people say I was one of the first foreign players who added something to the English game,” Bergkamp told premierleague.com.

“The Premier League most definitely made me a better player. From the moment I arrived in England, I embraced the English mentality and passion for football, it suited me and my style of play. Playing every game against go​od and tough opponents meant I improved all the time. I enjoyed every minute of it,” he added.

Bergkamp’s direct involvement in 181 Premier League goals for Arsenal, is second only to the 249 of Henry. He was the first Dutch player to score a hat-trick in the league, recording a memorable treble at Leicester City in August 1997.

The footballer further followed it up with another Premier League record, just two years later. Bergkamp registered four assists in a 5-0 win at Leicester, which is a record that has not been beaten.

The Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates the exceptional skill and talent of individuals who have graced the Premier League since its inception in 1992. It is the highest individual honour awarded to players by the League.