BANGALORE: Arsenal legend Fredrik Ljungberg of Sweden feels that Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp was the best player Arsenal had and that manager Arsene Wenger is one of the greatest for whom, winning is not important, but winning in style is.
In the city to launch the team’s new kit, the Swede spoke on a number of issues. Excerpts...
Who is the best Arsenal player you’ve seen?
Probably, Dennis Bergkamp.
Your days at Arsenal...
There are a lot of special memories but one that comes to my mind is the goal I scored on debut against Manchester United. It had been just a week since I had come into the club and when I was told I was going to be substituted, I was shaking like a leaf. To score against your biggest rivals is simply amazing.
Your role as one of the ‘Invincibles’...
The biggest problem for a player is if you win, you want to keep on winning. That season (2003-04), we just kept on winning game after game. The problem was after we had won the league, we had nothing to play for. Many teams win titles, but you are remembered forever if you do something special. So, we wanted to go unbeaten that season and create something special.
The toughest opposition you faced?
Manchester United, no doubt. I’ve played against a lot of great teams but the greatest rival would be Manchester United. Both have great history and playing against them always brings the best out of you. I’ve got great respect for them and to play against such teams is the reason why you play football.
Your take on manager Arsene Wenger...
Wenger is great, probably one of the greatest managers. He picks players at a very young age and moulds them into becoming special players. He is very patient. I came to the club as a 20-year-old and he is the main reason why I’ve gone on to become a good player. And he had only watched me on television. Of late, he’s been criticised a lot which is not right. The club was going through a lot of financial constraints and he’s guided the club through a tough phase.
Now, the club is financially strong and ready to take the next step. There is so much to learn from Arsene. For him, winning is not important, winning in style is — the Arsenal way.
Your take on the team this season...
There are so many wonderful players in the current team but my money is on Mesut Ozil. He took his time last season and this season you may get to see the best out of him. I also think Jack Wilshere will finally showcase his true potential.
We’ve made some very good signings as well, in Mathieu Debuchy, Callum Chambers. One who catches my eye is Alexis Sanchez. I was very impressed by him four years ago at the World Cup which was played in South Africa. You saw his full potential this time in Brazil. It’s taken four years and I’m glad we’ve managed to sign such a talented player.
What do you expect of Arsenal this time?
I hope to go all the way. To win the league, you need to have the best players in the world. Due to financial restraints, we could not do that the last few years. Now that we are out of it and made some very good signings, I think we stand a chance of winning it.