In 1998, against Argentina at the World Cup, Dennis Bergkamp controlled the ball, turned and finished in what looked like one movement. It was a last-minute winner, and it is still counted among the best goals the tournament has seen. The touch looked impossible at the time and still does on replay.
That was Bergkamp. His touch was so delicate that the ball seemed glued to his boot, and he was less a conventional striker than an artist who happened to play up front.
How did the Iceman become an Arsenal hero?
He won three Premier League titles with Arsenal, including the unbeaten Invincibles season of 2003-04, and in 1998 he was named Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year. He scored 120 goals for the club and set up many more with his vision and passing.
He managed all this with an unusual handicap. A fear of flying kept him out of many away European matches, and he was still world-class.
He was the most technically gifted striker to play in the Premier League. The goal against Argentina made him famous, and the rest of the career made him a hero at Arsenal and a big name in Dutch football.
Tomorrow: number 26.
