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Dennis Bergkamp: 'Arsenal are predictable, weak and lacking a winning mentality'
The former Gunners striker condemns the current side as lacking in diversity, quality and character in comparison to the famed 'invincibles' who won the club's last title in 2004
15 Feb 2012 11:19:00
By Sean Kilgallon
PROSHOTS
Dennis Bergkamp has criticised the current Arsenal side ahead of Wednesday’s clash with AC Milan at the San Siro, labeling them one-dimensional and lacking in character.
Since Bergkamp’s departure in 2006 the Gunners have failed to win a trophy, and now find themselves in a fierce fight simply to ensure Champions League football next season.
The Dutchman stopped short of criticising former boss Arsene Wenger for the team’s decline, but admitted the current crop at the Emirates Stadium pales in comparison with the famed ‘invincibles’ squad which won the club’s last league title in 2004.
"I feel there are a lot of similar players there at the moment,” he told the Telegraph. “It needs to be more diverse.
“You need a few strong characters who can get the team going, in training as well as matches. You also need a few players who can make a difference in terms of scoring goals. I don’t feel there are enough of them."
"You look at the midfield and compare it with ours. We had Freddie Ljungberg, Robert Pires, Ray Parlour – when it wasn’t working for one of the big names, one of these could step up."
Arsenal have depended largely on talismanic captain Robin Van Persie for goals this season, and Bergkamp believes it is not healthy for any team to be so reliant on an individual.
"You can’t only depend on one or two players,” he added. “When they’re having an off day, you need someone else.”
Since Bergkamp’s departure in 2006 the Gunners have failed to win a trophy, and now find themselves in a fierce fight simply to ensure Champions League football next season.
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The Dutchman stopped short of criticising former boss Arsene Wenger for the team’s decline, but admitted the current crop at the Emirates Stadium pales in comparison with the famed ‘invincibles’ squad which won the club’s last league title in 2004.
"I feel there are a lot of similar players there at the moment,” he told the Telegraph. “It needs to be more diverse.
“You need a few strong characters who can get the team going, in training as well as matches. You also need a few players who can make a difference in terms of scoring goals. I don’t feel there are enough of them."
"You look at the midfield and compare it with ours. We had Freddie Ljungberg, Robert Pires, Ray Parlour – when it wasn’t working for one of the big names, one of these could step up."
Arsenal have depended largely on talismanic captain Robin Van Persie for goals this season, and Bergkamp believes it is not healthy for any team to be so reliant on an individual.
"You can’t only depend on one or two players,” he added. “When they’re having an off day, you need someone else.”
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
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