Ok, I've got a couple random thoughts to share and questions to ask. They're not mindblowing or anything new you haven't considered, but I'll share them none-the-less. I watched my A Decade of Great Premiership Goals DVD yesterday, and something that stood out to me, was just how many assists Bergkamp has. He has over 100 goals for you guys, but he must have even more assists. His passing is second to none. Do you guys think he's going to be a big part of the team this year, or is he on his way out, with the younger players stepping in? As for Vieira, I was just wondering if he were to leave now, would his legacy be ruined, or would he always be a legend to you guys? Thanks for any responses.
Bergkamp, 35 years old, is nearing the end of his career. He can still play, as seen so far on the preseason tour, but his pace has diminished, so you can expect him to play a smaller role than he has played in the past. Vieira would still be a legend for me.
Bergkamp, in my mind can still score the goals of his past, but his vision is second to none.He could spot a pass that others wouldnt.Take BOTH of VIEIRA'S two goals last season. The away game at Chelsea is a perfect example of that. A magnicifient through ball let Vieira in and I think gave us the lead or pulled us level.That was a great pass, WITH THE OUTSIDE OF HIS RIGHT FOOT. Now, on to Vieira. God forbid if he did leave, we WOULDNT HAVE A LEGACY. He would be known to be a "good" player.But, leaving for Real Madrid would definitely hurt him. To be a legend you have to resist overtures from Real and other clubs. Or, stay for "awhile" like David O'Leary, or when you what to leave you will be too old to play in the top-flight so go down a division. *VIEIRA IS STAYING!
GOOD question. I think it would be hard to watch him leave, if that's how it transpires, knowing that he's just into his prime years. If he plays these years for someone else, I don't think he will be considered a legend because he's likely to win more trophies and these will be more immediate in everyone's mind, pushing the doubles and undefeated league season to the rear, great though they are and great though he was during his years at Highbury. Hypothetical: IF Vieira goes to Real Madrid, what would that team have to accomplish in the next three to five seasons for Vieira to be considered a legend at the Bernabeu? I mean, if they won nothihg, he would not be a legend. Yet if they won everything year after year, he would be for sure. Where is the line?
Bergkamp will be a squad player this season. Vieira is an Arsenal great, but a legend? i don't think so..
I have to agree with Mad Theory on this one. Henry=Arsenal legend. Bergkamp=Arsenal Legend, Tony Adams=Arsenal Legend, Charlie George=Arsenal legend.....Vieira, Pires, or Freddie.....are just good Arsenal players. If Patrick stays with the club, I definately think he will be in Arsenal legend status.
I don't even think Henry has reached the legendary status yet, he's still only 26 and has yet to break Wrights record..
Not to take anything away from your point, but I count THREE goals from last season. Chelsea, Sp*rs, and Portsmouth in the last game I think. They were all choice ones too. If not for Fredie and Bob I could see him at 10+ per season. Speaking of assists, anyone have a total for PV last season?
Bergkamp is still the master. I am much more comfortable seeing an Arsenal team with him in it than not. He's difficult to mark because he drops off the front and his vision is such that he will spot runs and make perfect passes, Vieira's goal at Chelsea last season was a case in point. I was watching the "Premiership Years" 2001-2002 programme on Sky yesterday and even though I've already seen every goal, the amount of times on that run-in to the title it was Bergkamp to Ljungberg, goal, Bergkamp to Ljungberg, goal surprised me again. He doesn't score the amount of goals he used to, but they're generally worth waiting for these days, we're a better team with him in.
Dennis is legend, there is no doubt. The only other play on the current team I put in that category is Henry.