Arsenal had a powerful affinity with the Netherlands throughout Arsene Wenger’s early years as supervisor, with Dennis Bergkamp, Marc Overmars and Giovanni van Bronckhorst all robust gamers for the Gunners.
Dutch stalwart Phillip Cocu highlights how, on a number of events, Arsenal tried to signal him, although nothing in the end got here to fruition.
The midfielder as an alternative spent nearly all of his glittering profession in his homeland taking part in for AZ Alkmaar, Vitesse and PSV , with a six-year spell at Barcelona thrown in there for good measure, too.
VIDEO: The GENIUS Means Arsenal Simply Beat Tottenham With out Their Midfield
Whereas choosing his Good XI of gamers he performed with throughout his profession, Cocu highlights the curiosity Arsenal confirmed in him whereas discussing the qualities of Dennis Bergkamp.
“He had a velvet contact – we’ll always remember that objective towards Argentina on the 1998 World Cup – and though he appears a bit introverted, he has an awesome sense of humour,” Cocu solely tells FourFourTwo .
“There have been a couple of moments when Arsenal confirmed curiosity in me and I might’ve been his team-mate, nevertheless it by no means occurred.”
Bergkamp spent over a decade at Arsenal (Picture credit score: David Worth/Arsenal FC by way of Getty Pictures)
The pair did spend a number of time along with the Netherlands nationwide group, nonetheless, taking part in collectively at Euro 96, the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. Whereas they weren’t profitable on any of these events, Cocu clearly appears again with fondness on the qualities of his fellow countryman.
With reference to former Arsenal gamers, Cocu additionally selects Van Bronckhorst because the left-back for his excellent XI, having performed collectively for the nationwide group and briefly in a season at Barcelona.
“My previous neighbour and we performed collectively for one season at Barcelona, below Frank Rijkaard,” Cocu highlights. “Giovanni turned higher and extra necessary for his groups over time, and he was at all times in service of the group, as a multifunctional participant and sympathetic particular person. He scored nice objectives from distance, too.”
Cocu taking part in for Barcelona (Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
Extra Arsenal tales
Eight gamers to MISS Manchester Metropolis vs Arsenal early title decider
Ranked! Each Premier League 2024/25 package, from worst to greatest
Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta addresses Gabriel Martinelli being changed in his aspect
