In the realm of football, few names resonate as profoundly as Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi, yet when it came to choosing the greatest player he ever played with, Henry surprised many by selecting Dennis Bergkamp over the Argentine maestro. This choice highlights not just personal preference but a deep respect for the artistry and ethos Bergkamp brought to the game.
A Reflection on Football’s Finest: Henry’s Praise for Bergkamp
During a candid Facebook Q&A in 2015, as reported by Sport Bible, Thierry Henry provided insights into why he holds Dennis Bergkamp in such high esteem. Henry’s tenure with Arsenal and the shared pitch time of 216 appearances alongside Bergkamp resulted in numerous memorable moments and accolades, including the ‘Invincibles’ Premier League title during the 2003-04 season. Henry emphasized Bergkamp’s exceptional commitment to the game, stating, “Because of longevity, and because I saw him every day in training for seven years, Dennis Bergkamp. Why? Because he was always doing what the game was asking him to do.”
Further elaborating on Bergkamp’s qualities, Henry admired his training discipline and his tactical approach to football: “I admired how Dennis was always trying to respect the game. He could score but he could also pass and wait for the right moment…he was always trying to respect the game when he could do other stuff. I respected him a lot for that but also the way he trained. The way he used to train was just not normal. The guy didn’t want to lose the ball; he would foul you; get in your face; he wants to be first in the run.”
The ‘Freaks’ of Football: Messi and Zidane
While Bergkamp earned Henry’s pick, the French legend did not shy away from expressing his awe of other football giants such as Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane. Referring to Messi, Henry remarked, “But then I have to mention the freaks. Leo is a freak. I think you guys [fans] do not understand what the guy is doing. Him, Zizou, all these guys, you cannot do what they do, because it’s not humanly possible.” These words underline the extraordinary abilities that Messi and his peers bring to the pitch, which transcend normal athletic prowess.
The Enduring Legacy of Messi and Ronaldo
Thierry Henry’s experiences with top-tier football extended beyond teammates to witnessing the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the sport’s most enduring icons. In the same interview, Henry shared his thoughts on the GOAT debate, favoring Messi due to personal experience and shared victories. Yet, he acknowledged Ronaldo’s incredible career longevity and consistency at the top level, underscoring his admiration with, “It’s one thing to have to have a single great season but to maintain it for so many years is something else.”
Today, both Messi and Ronaldo continue to compete at high levels, with Messi at MLS’s Inter Miami and Ronaldo with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Their ongoing careers continue to inspire and attract fans worldwide, illustrating their unparalleled contributions to football.
In conclusion, Thierry Henry’s reflections offer a unique perspective on football’s finest talents. His choice of Dennis Bergkamp as the best player he has played with is a testament to Bergkamp’s profound impact on his peers and the game at large, standing as a reminder of the beauty and integrity football can embody when played by those who truly respect its essence.
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