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Stillness and Speed: My Story
In a team that included some famously heavy drinkers, and players who did not always set the highest standards in their behaviour, Dennis Bergkamp arrived at Arsenal and soon everything changed. Along with the likes of Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira, he provided an inspirational cutting edge to the Gunners' play and set them on the way to becoming one of the most formidable sides in the world, winning trophy after trophy. In 2003-04, Arsenal were quite literally unbeatable in the league.
Now, with unique insight and eloquent recall, Bergkamp reveals how it was done and explains his footballing philosophy - a way of playing that has been handed down from Cruyff and the era of Dutch 'Total Football' via Arsene Wenger and on today to Pep Guardiola. But, now at Ajax, he is part of a team that is working to create a way of playing football that could take the game on to a whole new level. Whether you want to relive the glories of his past, or share his vision of the future, once you have read this book you will never see Bergkamp or football in the same way again.
Now, with unique insight and eloquent recall, Bergkamp reveals how it was done and explains his footballing philosophy - a way of playing that has been handed down from Cruyff and the era of Dutch 'Total Football' via Arsene Wenger and on today to Pep Guardiola. But, now at Ajax, he is part of a team that is working to create a way of playing football that could take the game on to a whole new level. Whether you want to relive the glories of his past, or share his vision of the future, once you have read this book you will never see Bergkamp or football in the same way again.
269 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
79 people are currently reading
1528 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Bergkamp
1 book2 followersBorn in Amsterdam in 1969, Dennis Bergkamp began his hugely successful career at Ajax, before moving to Inter Milan and then on to Arsenal in 1995, where he was a central figure in the side that won three league titles and four FA Cups. He also won 79 caps for the Netherlands. He is currently assistant manager at Ajax.
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October 23, 2013
Who is Dennis Bergkamp?
Ok I am broadminded enough to grasp that there are in existence people who don’t follow football-- maybe you are a Trappist monk who has let his Sky Sports package slip-- let alone the inner workings dreams and dramas of Arsenal football club. For example, during the close season, the club website posted a short video of the ground staff marking out the freshly cut pitch and I fully understand that not everyone would have watched that all the way through.
However, that not with-standing, if you were to watch the best players ever play football, you will see that they do what other players do, but like supermen ; Messi, Ronaldinho, they’re faster, more skilled, more aware, more composed. Watch DB and you suspect that he see’s the game and the ball in a slightly different light. The best example of this would be for you to go and watch the top 10 goals by either of those two mentioned and then to watch DBs 2002 goal against Newcastle.
Back? Good wasn’t it.
Part of the intrigue of the DB story, a large part at the time, was that DB turned up to play football at Arsenal football club. If he’d left Milan for Spain or Juve or back to Ajax it would have followed a pattern, it would have been understandable; he would have been another outstanding Dutch footballer from the Cruyff mould. (Cruyff comes across as a bit of a megalomaniac actually. He wants to live and play with beauty and freedom and he wants everyone else to do as they re told)
But he didn’t, he walked out of the 80,000 capacity San Siro and into the 35,000 capacity Highbury.
Arsenal pre DB was like, say, one of those Egyptian fishing villages 4001 years ago, the day before an Alien turned up and built the pyramids—oh don’t pretend you don’t believe that—any way he turned up and said “take me to your leader” and they said “ Dennis, you are our leader ”. He was 26.
Obviously the book has a more clearly defined narrative but essentially that’s it.
Other biographies tend to be like David Copperfield, I am born, I am spotted by Barcelona scouts playing for the U12s….This doesn’t do that but breaks down DBs life, so far, into different aspects and explores each one with plenty of input and opinion from an impressive list of teammates, rivals and managers. Henry and Wenger feature.
For example you get interview with the many managers at Milan who say that the reason he didn’t fit in there was that he didn’t fit in, or something. Or you get a fascinating insight in to Dutch national nuttiness and how to implode at major tournaments and you get plenty of fraternal love from his fellow Invincibles. When you hear Ian Wright or Ray Parlour talk, even now, its like they still can’t quite believe it. Like me.
But in the end its DB and you can’t do that justice in a book, no matter how good the book is, and this one is probably as good as it gets. You have to watch say, the 89th minute goal for Holland v Argentina and his reaction to get anywhere near understanding DB.
Ok I am broadminded enough to grasp that there are in existence people who don’t follow football-- maybe you are a Trappist monk who has let his Sky Sports package slip-- let alone the inner workings dreams and dramas of Arsenal football club. For example, during the close season, the club website posted a short video of the ground staff marking out the freshly cut pitch and I fully understand that not everyone would have watched that all the way through.
However, that not with-standing, if you were to watch the best players ever play football, you will see that they do what other players do, but like supermen ; Messi, Ronaldinho, they’re faster, more skilled, more aware, more composed. Watch DB and you suspect that he see’s the game and the ball in a slightly different light. The best example of this would be for you to go and watch the top 10 goals by either of those two mentioned and then to watch DBs 2002 goal against Newcastle.
Back? Good wasn’t it.
Part of the intrigue of the DB story, a large part at the time, was that DB turned up to play football at Arsenal football club. If he’d left Milan for Spain or Juve or back to Ajax it would have followed a pattern, it would have been understandable; he would have been another outstanding Dutch footballer from the Cruyff mould. (Cruyff comes across as a bit of a megalomaniac actually. He wants to live and play with beauty and freedom and he wants everyone else to do as they re told)
But he didn’t, he walked out of the 80,000 capacity San Siro and into the 35,000 capacity Highbury.
Arsenal pre DB was like, say, one of those Egyptian fishing villages 4001 years ago, the day before an Alien turned up and built the pyramids—oh don’t pretend you don’t believe that—any way he turned up and said “take me to your leader” and they said “ Dennis, you are our leader ”. He was 26.
Obviously the book has a more clearly defined narrative but essentially that’s it.
Other biographies tend to be like David Copperfield, I am born, I am spotted by Barcelona scouts playing for the U12s….This doesn’t do that but breaks down DBs life, so far, into different aspects and explores each one with plenty of input and opinion from an impressive list of teammates, rivals and managers. Henry and Wenger feature.
For example you get interview with the many managers at Milan who say that the reason he didn’t fit in there was that he didn’t fit in, or something. Or you get a fascinating insight in to Dutch national nuttiness and how to implode at major tournaments and you get plenty of fraternal love from his fellow Invincibles. When you hear Ian Wright or Ray Parlour talk, even now, its like they still can’t quite believe it. Like me.
But in the end its DB and you can’t do that justice in a book, no matter how good the book is, and this one is probably as good as it gets. You have to watch say, the 89th minute goal for Holland v Argentina and his reaction to get anywhere near understanding DB.
July 4, 2015
Why fly when you can walk on water?
A biography of the man most readily and most frequently referred to as God by those closest to me during my lifetime, and on reading his thoughts, his philosophy, his entire way of existing it becomes apparent that Godliness was not something that came naturally to him and the only way he could have learned to walk on water was by watching the way the foot and the water interacted with each other and deciding there was a better, more effective way to do it in future. Which just happens to be the way he approaches everything in life except getting in to flying machines.
As he mentions in his introduction David Winner's approach to documenting DB10's life and philosophy owes a debt to Hitchcock/Truffaut and Puskas on Puskas; "the form fits the man, a footballer like no other ought to have a book no less distinctive" and so Winner fills in the details of a footballing life, placing the acts of a great genius firmly within their milieau thanks to strong research and some smart use of detailed interviews with those closest observers of the moment then follows it up by allowing Bergkamp to 'play off' those interviews helping to clarify his memories, thoughts, emotions and dare I say it again, philosophy.
The book is mercifully shorn of celebrity, childhood filler, anecdotes about what a precocious child he was, how this family member did that or that friend thought that, his personal life outside of the sport is kept personal and private and unless you're a flailing 'star' desperate for a few column inches and a quick, fat payday that is exactly how it should be. Instead this is a book about a uniquely brilliant footballer told almost entirely by other uniquely brilliant footballers.
Bergkamp himself comes across as an intense, charming, down to earth man who understands his passion and wants to share his wisdom with others, he willingly accepts criticism in his own biography and uses it to illustrate his own points about how the game should be played. His regrets and frustrations are palpable as is the fascinating way he discusses his incomparable technique during reconstructions of some his most famous moments, and yet this doesn't strike me as being anything like a vanity piece at any point, it's just an ongoing discussion about what makes football beautiful and his constant striving for perfection in his artform.
Easily my favourite football biography, fittingly so for one of the men who have brought the most joy to my life.
A biography of the man most readily and most frequently referred to as God by those closest to me during my lifetime, and on reading his thoughts, his philosophy, his entire way of existing it becomes apparent that Godliness was not something that came naturally to him and the only way he could have learned to walk on water was by watching the way the foot and the water interacted with each other and deciding there was a better, more effective way to do it in future. Which just happens to be the way he approaches everything in life except getting in to flying machines.
As he mentions in his introduction David Winner's approach to documenting DB10's life and philosophy owes a debt to Hitchcock/Truffaut and Puskas on Puskas; "the form fits the man, a footballer like no other ought to have a book no less distinctive" and so Winner fills in the details of a footballing life, placing the acts of a great genius firmly within their milieau thanks to strong research and some smart use of detailed interviews with those closest observers of the moment then follows it up by allowing Bergkamp to 'play off' those interviews helping to clarify his memories, thoughts, emotions and dare I say it again, philosophy.
The book is mercifully shorn of celebrity, childhood filler, anecdotes about what a precocious child he was, how this family member did that or that friend thought that, his personal life outside of the sport is kept personal and private and unless you're a flailing 'star' desperate for a few column inches and a quick, fat payday that is exactly how it should be. Instead this is a book about a uniquely brilliant footballer told almost entirely by other uniquely brilliant footballers.
Bergkamp himself comes across as an intense, charming, down to earth man who understands his passion and wants to share his wisdom with others, he willingly accepts criticism in his own biography and uses it to illustrate his own points about how the game should be played. His regrets and frustrations are palpable as is the fascinating way he discusses his incomparable technique during reconstructions of some his most famous moments, and yet this doesn't strike me as being anything like a vanity piece at any point, it's just an ongoing discussion about what makes football beautiful and his constant striving for perfection in his artform.
Easily my favourite football biography, fittingly so for one of the men who have brought the most joy to my life.
January 2, 2014
I had finished a 25-hour shift at the London homeless hostel where I was working. My night had been broken, as it usually was on such shifts, by incidents in which the night-shift worker needed support and assistant. I can't remember the details. I was lying semi-comatose on the couch of our staff accommodation, kept from sleep only by the breathtaking to and fro of one of the greatest games of football I had seen. I would sleep after, I told myself. Holland v Argentina, a dream tie in the World Cup quarter finals. A game of high quality, decided in the game's dying embers by a Dennis Bergkamp goal of such art, delicacy and precision it jolted through my system like a triple espresso. I sat bolt upright, mouth open. I shouted something incoherent. It was perfect. If you don't believe me, go to YouTube and 'Dennis Bergkamp goal v Argentina' for a moment of sublime sporting beauty.
As you've just discovered, it's hard for words to do justice to moments like that. Bergkamp specialised in such moments, moments of perfection which even opponents and opposition fans would applaud, the sort of moments you dream of being in the same vicinity as, let alone being part of. On the rare occasions I found myself watching from the stands as he plied his trade for Arsenal it felt like his awareness of what was going on around him and his economy of movement were so supernatural that there must be two of him, one on the pitch in constant communication with another in the stand, able to relay down to the Dennis on the pitch where everybody else was and where the spaces were developing.
Then there's this goal (YouTube 'Dennis Bergkamp v Newcastle'), the balletic grace of which frankly belies description. Watch it, and tell me your life isn't better for seeing it.
How do you justice in words to such a player. Sports biographies - especially football ones, it seems - do not have a great history of artfulness or appropriateness. They're usually written too early, with little insight or context. This one is different. Stillness and Speed is the English language version of Holland and Arsenal's Dennis Bergkamp's story, told by David Winner through deft prose and a series of illuminating interviews with Bergkamp himself and his colleagues. It have many of the elements of the biography, but is really trying to do something else; to get a handle on how genius is born and how great art comes to be. Hard work is part of it; resolute attention to, for example, the way different balls bounced. Training, fun, a desire to always do something meaningful and not 'just' try to do a job or simply win a game. All of it coming together in the revelation that as regards the second goal related above, he decided what to do when the ball was 10 yards away. Instinctive genius, served by muscle memory.
It's a beautiful book, and like all good books its genius is in lifting the specific (a footballer) and finding things to say that are relevant and interesting way beyond the one arena. It's hard to imagine people who don't like football reading this, but really this is one for those who want to dig deeply into how a genius is set apart. In that context it might make a good companion volume to Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers.
Mainly though, I'm grateful. Grateful to feel closer to one of my heroes, but not to have the mystique taken away. Grateful that the book does him justice but leaves genius of this type where I want it - just out of reach. Grateful he's both ordinary and extraordinary. Just grateful, really.
Want more? More masterpieces here ('Dennis Bergkamp top 10 for Arsenal') for your enjoyment.
As you've just discovered, it's hard for words to do justice to moments like that. Bergkamp specialised in such moments, moments of perfection which even opponents and opposition fans would applaud, the sort of moments you dream of being in the same vicinity as, let alone being part of. On the rare occasions I found myself watching from the stands as he plied his trade for Arsenal it felt like his awareness of what was going on around him and his economy of movement were so supernatural that there must be two of him, one on the pitch in constant communication with another in the stand, able to relay down to the Dennis on the pitch where everybody else was and where the spaces were developing.
Then there's this goal (YouTube 'Dennis Bergkamp v Newcastle'), the balletic grace of which frankly belies description. Watch it, and tell me your life isn't better for seeing it.
How do you justice in words to such a player. Sports biographies - especially football ones, it seems - do not have a great history of artfulness or appropriateness. They're usually written too early, with little insight or context. This one is different. Stillness and Speed is the English language version of Holland and Arsenal's Dennis Bergkamp's story, told by David Winner through deft prose and a series of illuminating interviews with Bergkamp himself and his colleagues. It have many of the elements of the biography, but is really trying to do something else; to get a handle on how genius is born and how great art comes to be. Hard work is part of it; resolute attention to, for example, the way different balls bounced. Training, fun, a desire to always do something meaningful and not 'just' try to do a job or simply win a game. All of it coming together in the revelation that as regards the second goal related above, he decided what to do when the ball was 10 yards away. Instinctive genius, served by muscle memory.
It's a beautiful book, and like all good books its genius is in lifting the specific (a footballer) and finding things to say that are relevant and interesting way beyond the one arena. It's hard to imagine people who don't like football reading this, but really this is one for those who want to dig deeply into how a genius is set apart. In that context it might make a good companion volume to Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers.
Mainly though, I'm grateful. Grateful to feel closer to one of my heroes, but not to have the mystique taken away. Grateful that the book does him justice but leaves genius of this type where I want it - just out of reach. Grateful he's both ordinary and extraordinary. Just grateful, really.
Want more? More masterpieces here ('Dennis Bergkamp top 10 for Arsenal') for your enjoyment.
January 27, 2024
Interview style biography of the Dutch footballer. Covers his time spent at Ajax, Inter, Arsenal, the Dutch National team and back at Ajax - as part of the management. It's the kind of a book that makes you wanna open Youtube and see the games & moments being talked about. You also realize (re-realize in my case) how much of thought process goes behind every touch, every pass, shot as players like Bergkamp can calculate and visualize moments (at times in slow mo) 2-3 steps ahead before they actually happen. There are detailed passages about 'the' goal of WC '98 against Argentina, and 'that' goal against Newcastle in '02, as well as his assists against Juventus and Leicester for Ljunberg and Viera respectively. The latter sealing *Invincibility* of the 03-04 campaign.
The book also talks about the tough times Bergkamp faced, especially at Inter where he was considered a flop, even by his own fans, and teammates and managers criticized him for not adapting to Italian style *cantenccio* football as well as not spending enough time with the team off-the-field. Bergkamp, an ardent believer of Dutch *totaalvoetbal*, saw defensive and counter-attacking football a threat to his skills, and ultimately to his career. Thus, forcing him and the club to part ways.
At national level, Bergkamp played 5 tournaments (1992-200) and in 4 of them Holland got knocked out on Penalties. Truly bewildering, considering the fact that in Euro 2000 semifinal they outplayed the 10 men of Italy but couldn't find the back of the net even after getting 2 penalties. Finally succumbing to pressure in the shootout. The eventual champions, France, feared the Dutch the most, as stated by Thierry Henry in the book, but were relieved to have never faced them in the final - even in 98 WC, where Brazil got the better of Dutch on penalties.
Overall a good book for football fans, and a must read for Arsenal and Oranje fans as Bergkamp was a great player belonging to the last golden generation of both teams. There are some things I disagreed on, especially how he, Cruyuff and all the ex-players are revamping Ajax as a feeder club, but for all the other stuff the book is totally worth spending time on.
The book also talks about the tough times Bergkamp faced, especially at Inter where he was considered a flop, even by his own fans, and teammates and managers criticized him for not adapting to Italian style *cantenccio* football as well as not spending enough time with the team off-the-field. Bergkamp, an ardent believer of Dutch *totaalvoetbal*, saw defensive and counter-attacking football a threat to his skills, and ultimately to his career. Thus, forcing him and the club to part ways.
At national level, Bergkamp played 5 tournaments (1992-200) and in 4 of them Holland got knocked out on Penalties. Truly bewildering, considering the fact that in Euro 2000 semifinal they outplayed the 10 men of Italy but couldn't find the back of the net even after getting 2 penalties. Finally succumbing to pressure in the shootout. The eventual champions, France, feared the Dutch the most, as stated by Thierry Henry in the book, but were relieved to have never faced them in the final - even in 98 WC, where Brazil got the better of Dutch on penalties.
Overall a good book for football fans, and a must read for Arsenal and Oranje fans as Bergkamp was a great player belonging to the last golden generation of both teams. There are some things I disagreed on, especially how he, Cruyuff and all the ex-players are revamping Ajax as a feeder club, but for all the other stuff the book is totally worth spending time on.
October 9, 2024
Det gode: Boka er skrive som ein serie samtalar (med litt kontekst) mellom Bergkamp og medforfattaren, og andre relevante personar. Det er og nokon genuint unike delar til fotballbiografi å være, blant anna får me delte perspektiv på hans mislykka tid i Inter (italienarane syns han er ein rar svekling haha) og eit kapittel om den legendariske flyskrekken. Det er eit kapittel om straffar som er kjempeinteressant! Alt i alt får ein eit veldig godt innblikk i personligheten til Dennis Bergkamp.
Det dårlige: Dennis Bergkamp viser seg å være ganske kjedelig. Lange parti er som å se maling tørke, føles som 60-70% av boka. Vil være mindre kjedelig dersom du blir tent å tanken på å høyre eks-fotballproffar snakke i det uendelege om touch, mottak og spelfilosofi, eller har ein underlig fetisj for dyrking av Nederlands posisjon i fotballverden.
Kindle-versjonen manglar dei flotte bildene som er i trykt utgåva (alt ligg berre til slutt framfor i teksten).
Det dårlige: Dennis Bergkamp viser seg å være ganske kjedelig. Lange parti er som å se maling tørke, føles som 60-70% av boka. Vil være mindre kjedelig dersom du blir tent å tanken på å høyre eks-fotballproffar snakke i det uendelege om touch, mottak og spelfilosofi, eller har ein underlig fetisj for dyrking av Nederlands posisjon i fotballverden.
Kindle-versjonen manglar dei flotte bildene som er i trykt utgåva (alt ligg berre til slutt framfor i teksten).
December 4, 2015
A obra traz fatos e historias nao so restritos ao jogador, mas tambem de personalidades como Cruyff (com várias passagens merecedoras de destaque), Van Gaal e Thierry Henry. Aborda, tambem, temas interessantes de bastidores como a disputa racial no vestiario Holandes, o medo de voar de Bergkamp e a famosa ajudinha historica à Selecao Brasileira em Copas do Mundo.
O livro mescla narrativa com entrevistas/bate papo do co autor. O recurso deixa a leitura mais leve no comeco, porem as vezes descamba pra papo de comadre (autor x bergkamp) ou babaçao de ovo dependendo do convidado a se pronunciar sobre o atleta. O próprio co-autor por vezes se comporta mais como fã que como biógrafo.
Stillness and Speed se torna interessante mais pelo personagem que por meritos literários de seu autor. Ainda, Bergkamp é uma pessoa fria e objetiva, com senso de humor contido, mas com otimas historias a relatar. Logo no inicio do livro o co autor avisa que o livro tem um "irmao gemeo" (mais uma ironia no sentido do filme do danny de vito x schwarzenneger) em holandes, muito mais robusto e completo sobre Bergkamp. Talvez para fãs "hardcore" do jogador e torcedores fanaaaaaaaaticos do Arsenal este ultimo seja mais interessante. No entanto, para o torcedor comum de futebol que lembra de Bergkamp jogando e busca biografias variadas, S. and Speed é mais que suficiente. Ainda que nao seja um primor, vale a pena a leitura. Se pudesse fracionar a nota, daria 3,5 estrelas.
O livro mescla narrativa com entrevistas/bate papo do co autor. O recurso deixa a leitura mais leve no comeco, porem as vezes descamba pra papo de comadre (autor x bergkamp) ou babaçao de ovo dependendo do convidado a se pronunciar sobre o atleta. O próprio co-autor por vezes se comporta mais como fã que como biógrafo.
Stillness and Speed se torna interessante mais pelo personagem que por meritos literários de seu autor. Ainda, Bergkamp é uma pessoa fria e objetiva, com senso de humor contido, mas com otimas historias a relatar. Logo no inicio do livro o co autor avisa que o livro tem um "irmao gemeo" (mais uma ironia no sentido do filme do danny de vito x schwarzenneger) em holandes, muito mais robusto e completo sobre Bergkamp. Talvez para fãs "hardcore" do jogador e torcedores fanaaaaaaaaticos do Arsenal este ultimo seja mais interessante. No entanto, para o torcedor comum de futebol que lembra de Bergkamp jogando e busca biografias variadas, S. and Speed é mais que suficiente. Ainda que nao seja um primor, vale a pena a leitura. Se pudesse fracionar a nota, daria 3,5 estrelas.
June 6, 2014
كتاب سيرة حياة اللاعب الهولندي (دينس بيركامب) ولاعب نادي الآرسنال الانجليزي، سبب اهتمامي بهذا الكتاب هو عبقرية وذكاء (بيركامب) فالمتتبع لكرة القدم والمهتم بالفكر الكروي سواء من التخطيط واللعب الذكي يعلم ان بيركامب كان احد عباقرة الكرة ، لم يمتلك سرعة رونالدو ولا مهارة ميسي في تجاوز الخصوم لكنه كان ذكي جداً يعرف كيف ومتى يمرر الكرة ومتى يسدد ومتى يراوغ، هذا بالاضافة الى فكره الفلسفي الكروي فالقارء للكتاب سيجد الكثير من المناقشات الفلسفية الكروية عن أساليب تفكير المدربين مثل أسطورة الكرة الهولندي (كرويف) او المدرب المبدع الحالي ( فان غال) وايضاً الكثير عن حياته المهنية والخاصة..
November 10, 2015
interesting book about the career of one the best modern dutch footballers and liked the style of bits of it done like an interview by the ghost writers and some interesting insights too.
April 12, 2017
The playmaker with a technical heart who orchestrated the invincible era for the Gunners.
Great read about the Dutchman who influenced the game on the same level as Cruyff.
Great read about the Dutchman who influenced the game on the same level as Cruyff.
September 21, 2013
it is a great book
August 20, 2021
Cichy lider. Skromny maestro. Dennisa Bergkampa na boisku można było opisywać wieloma określeniami. Nie sposób odmówić mu tego, że był po prostu genialny. Autobiografia niestety tak wysokiego poziomu nie reprezentuje, ale daje ciekawy wgląd na spojrzenie zawodnika na sprawy futbolu.
Dla osób, które jednak chciałyby dowiedzieć się dużo o jego perypetiach w klubach, kłopotach w Interze czy wzlotach i upadkach w Arsenalu, będzie rozczarowaniem, bo zostawi ich z niedosytem. Odbiór utrudnia też przesadnie euforyczna postawa współautora, Davida Winnera, który swoimi pytaniami i komentarzami wynosi Bergamkpa i holenderski futbol pod niebiosa, przesadnie gloryfikując pewne rzeczy i tonąc wręcz w zachwytach. Długimi fragmentami jest to więc rozmowa kumpli, którzy poklepują się po plecach i wzajemnie sobie przytakują.
To solidna publikacja, nieco inna od typowych biografii, na swój sposób ciekawa, ale niepozbawiona wad.
Dla osób, które jednak chciałyby dowiedzieć się dużo o jego perypetiach w klubach, kłopotach w Interze czy wzlotach i upadkach w Arsenalu, będzie rozczarowaniem, bo zostawi ich z niedosytem. Odbiór utrudnia też przesadnie euforyczna postawa współautora, Davida Winnera, który swoimi pytaniami i komentarzami wynosi Bergamkpa i holenderski futbol pod niebiosa, przesadnie gloryfikując pewne rzeczy i tonąc wręcz w zachwytach. Długimi fragmentami jest to więc rozmowa kumpli, którzy poklepują się po plecach i wzajemnie sobie przytakują.
To solidna publikacja, nieco inna od typowych biografii, na swój sposób ciekawa, ale niepozbawiona wad.
March 8, 2019
I have read loads of books about "we was poor but we was honest, I was good at sports, Mum and Dad drove me to matches, I got spotted and became a superstar" and you sort of expect this in footballers biographies. However, like the player, this book takes a different approach. Based on the Hitchcock/Truffaut interviews, this is a series of interviews between David Warner, Dennis and other players and managers and provides and intriguing and entertaining insight into perhaps the best player ever to don an Arsenal shirt.
July 26, 2023
“For me, everything has to have a thought and meaning behind it. What does a trick contribute? It has to be functional. Art for art’s sake isn’t interesting.”
The above is an extract from the book which surprisingly describes the book perfectly in my opinion.
The above is an extract from the book which surprisingly describes the book perfectly in my opinion.
February 21, 2017
Dennis Bergkamp. Graceful, fast, creative, with this uncanny ability to provide that perfectly weigted pass. This book gives a little look into the workings of Dennis's mind and philosophy. This is described via multiple interviews and Q&A's with peers, managers and himself with some interesting results. I would have loved for this book to go a little deeper into his psyche but I get the feeling that Dennis would much rather talk about football than himself. If you take a look at some of his highlights you wil see what I mean.
As a footballer, Dennis is five stars. He was a perfectionist. I wonder if this book met his expectations?
As a footballer, Dennis is five stars. He was a perfectionist. I wonder if this book met his expectations?
July 8, 2019
Dla fanów piłki nożnej, Arsenalu i samego Dennisa - jednego z najwybitniejszych piłkarzy w historii - to lektura obowiązkowa. Świetnie skonstruowana, konfrontująca zdanie głównego bohatera z opiniami trenerów i kolegów z boiska, dająca możliwość zerknięcia za kulisy wielkiego sportu. A ostatnie rozdziały traktujące o przewrocie w Ajaxie Amsterdam, jaki dokonał się niespełna dziesięć lat temu fantastyczne, biorąc pod uwagę, co z Ajaxem działo się w tym sezonie.
Ale gdzie był redaktor polskiego wydania?! Ilość błędów w datach, nazwiskach piłkarzy, itd. przytłaczająca. O literówkach, wątpliwych fragmentach tłumaczenia już nawet nie wspomnę. Dość powiedzieć, że pierwszy błąd pojawia się w pierwszym zdaniu książki.
Ale gdzie był redaktor polskiego wydania?! Ilość błędów w datach, nazwiskach piłkarzy, itd. przytłaczająca. O literówkach, wątpliwych fragmentach tłumaczenia już nawet nie wspomnę. Dość powiedzieć, że pierwszy błąd pojawia się w pierwszym zdaniu książki.
August 6, 2015
"I really love Arsenal. But you, do you really love Arsenal? Or just with trophies?"
Ada perkara yang perlu dipelajari dari buku ini, pertama, Dutchman sememangnya angkuh, dan kedua, pemain yang asalnya dari didikan Ajax diwajibkan untuk angkuh dan percaya bahawa apa yang mereka buat adalah kebenaran
February 26, 2018
Dennis Bergkamp- He was pretty much before my time but when I did see him I never really thought how fantastic he was because he was so simple in his game. He wasn't silky like Maradona nor was he fast like Messi nor did he bang in goals like Ronaldo. I was intrigued how this man in a team of Kluivert, De Boer, Seedorf, Davids, Overmars, Henry can be considered so important to wear the No.10 for both Arsenal and Netherlands. To understand that, you need to look at football from another perspective. Bergkamp's game revolves around control and passing, something very technical but sometimes under-appreciated. In order for the Bergkamp to shine he needs good strikers to make a run and score, and likewise for the team to shine they need Bergkamp because he makes the good players even better with his precise passing. How he is able to control a hard ball and score at the same time, how he sees his striker before he even gets the ball, how to score at an acute angle with the outside foot.. the amount of intelligence that goes in his play is unbelievable, and this book shares some of this thoughts and philosophy. This book is nothing that i have read before. It is not only one-way interviews with Bergkamp and his team mates, but the author does writes about Bergkamp's response to these comments. It feels a little bit like Bergkamp and Henry/Viera/Bergomi sitting on a cafe and talking to each other about old times. The author has collated a list of interviews of some of the greats (eg: Van Gaal, Cryuff, De Boer, Henry, Viera, Adams, Wenger, etc) and everyone spoke so highly of him that i feel like this is one of the best achievements u can have as a footballer.
February 22, 2019
The original No. 10. Dennis. Bergkamp. The master. Arsenal invincible. As a fanboy, just picked up this book to understand the man behind the footballer, and it didn't disappoint. An humble, introverted family man who needed time and space to get comfortable with others and express himself. Surprisingly, he was bit of a prankster and embarrassed quite a few players and staff at Arsenal. On the pitch, a steely fighter who strove for perfection in every pass and played for the love of the beautiful game. His exploits for the Dutch, Gunners and his famous assists, goals (That touch and turn vs Newcastle, that world cup touch and volley against Argentina, etc) are obviously discussed at great detail.
This book also sheds light on the democratic Dutch set up at Ajax, player power and the charismatic influence of Johan Cryuff. A lot of drama in the book as well, with a glimpse into behind the scenes Political dogfights between Louis Van Gaal and Cryuff at Ajax. A good read for any football fan. A compelling read for an Arsenal or total football fan.
This book also sheds light on the democratic Dutch set up at Ajax, player power and the charismatic influence of Johan Cryuff. A lot of drama in the book as well, with a glimpse into behind the scenes Political dogfights between Louis Van Gaal and Cryuff at Ajax. A good read for any football fan. A compelling read for an Arsenal or total football fan.
January 10, 2018
A good account of one of the most prestigious foreigners to play in England. Bergkamp was part of an influx of overseas players that revolutionised the beautiful game - certainly in terms of professionalism, diets and fitness regimes. An absolute class act on and off the field.
Good stories involving the goings on amidst the marbled halls of Highbury - Bergkamp's bewilderment at the drinking habits of the Arsenal 'old guard' being just one of many. Not to mention the fascinating insight into Dennis' fear of flying.
I'd have preferred a straight up autobiography to be honest - this being various accounts from certain associates. As a football fanatic, I already know how great Dennis Bergkampmwas - I don't really need to be told it constantly throughout the book. That said, it's still a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Good stories involving the goings on amidst the marbled halls of Highbury - Bergkamp's bewilderment at the drinking habits of the Arsenal 'old guard' being just one of many. Not to mention the fascinating insight into Dennis' fear of flying.
I'd have preferred a straight up autobiography to be honest - this being various accounts from certain associates. As a football fanatic, I already know how great Dennis Bergkampmwas - I don't really need to be told it constantly throughout the book. That said, it's still a thoroughly enjoyable read.
October 3, 2018
Conducted in the style of Francois' Truffaut's book on Alfred Hitchcock - long interviews and dialogues interspersed with background and narrative - this book by David Winner (who wrote Brilliant Orange) on Dennis Bergkamp is one of the better football biographies going around. More interesting than most, at least, with lots of discussion on technique rather than tactics, and no-holds-bared discussion on his playing history and people in his career. Not just for fans of Dutch football but for Arsenal supporters too. And for all those who admire great football and one of its greatest practitioners.
September 9, 2023
One of the best football biographies I have read for a long time.
Every football fan knows the brilliance of Dennis Bergkamp. With this book he gives you much more of an insight in to how he became that player. Then the turmoils in the background of many of the big clubs in the game.
At times it felt like a self help book about focus and healing g your mind as well as body for him to succeed. Although a very serious person about his work ethic and playing, he shows a more relaxed side, who can take the banter of a dressing room.
Many accolades from former teammates and managers to the brilliance of the player.
Highly recommended read.
Every football fan knows the brilliance of Dennis Bergkamp. With this book he gives you much more of an insight in to how he became that player. Then the turmoils in the background of many of the big clubs in the game.
At times it felt like a self help book about focus and healing g your mind as well as body for him to succeed. Although a very serious person about his work ethic and playing, he shows a more relaxed side, who can take the banter of a dressing room.
Many accolades from former teammates and managers to the brilliance of the player.
Highly recommended read.
December 25, 2017
A decently well written book on the life and career of Bergkamp..However, borders on being a hagiography and treating Bergkamp with a little too much reverence ..Also, Bergkamp comes across as a person with very little acceptance of opposing points of view and regard or respect for many of his contemporaries.There seems to be a conscious attempt by Dennis to portray himself as a cool , unaffected person who never had a bad day or a day with self doubts. In that sense, it seems a bit unrealistic and hence difficult to connect to his story.
April 15, 2018
Интересно написана автобиография, голяма част от която преминава в диалог между Денис Беркамп и авторът на книгата. Има много изявления на негови треньори и съотборници, различни гледни точки на важни случки,което прави историята по достоверна. Липсваше ми мнението на Денис за Арсен Венгер (който е доста антипатична личност за мен),а все пак му е бил треньор най-дълго време. Изненадана останах от конфликтите, които е имало в националният отбор на Холандия, който е моя слабост и може би именно тези различния между играчите попречиха отборът на спечели някой от големите турнири.
November 4, 2018
I wish I was borne earlier so that I could watch Bergkamp play.
There is so much to learn from him, not just as a footballer but also as a person.
Really loved reading about Cruyff and his contribution to Ajax and Barcelona. I wonder where Ajax would be had Cruyff never left for Barcelona.
Adequate light has been shed on his time at Inter, and why it didn't work out.
Reading about his best days at Arsenal, how he shrugged off his horror move to Inter.
Amazing read for all football fans. I wish there were more special players like Bergkamp in the current generation.
There is so much to learn from him, not just as a footballer but also as a person.
Really loved reading about Cruyff and his contribution to Ajax and Barcelona. I wonder where Ajax would be had Cruyff never left for Barcelona.
Adequate light has been shed on his time at Inter, and why it didn't work out.
Reading about his best days at Arsenal, how he shrugged off his horror move to Inter.
Amazing read for all football fans. I wish there were more special players like Bergkamp in the current generation.
June 11, 2020
I read very few auto/biographies and especially not sports ones. But being a big fan of Dennis Bergkamp and hearing good things of the book, I am so glad that I did read this one. The format of the book is very interesting - an interview with DB himself where he comments on a topic and then interviews with others involved for their perspective, then DB comments on their comments. Much more interesting than the ‘I put on my lucky boots and scored three at Palace’ type of footballing memoir. The quiet man finds his voice and expresses his footballing philosophy.
May 19, 2025
Dennis Bergkamp, one of the finest players the Premier league has ever seen writes a superb book documenting his early days at Ajax as a young player, his struggles at Inter to his hugely successful time at Arsenal, finally coming full circle and returning to Ajax as a coach after his playing days were over.
An excellent account by someone at the top of their game at the elite level of football in their own words with valuable contributions from players and coaches that he encountered over his career. A must-read for any football fan.
An excellent account by someone at the top of their game at the elite level of football in their own words with valuable contributions from players and coaches that he encountered over his career. A must-read for any football fan.
June 14, 2017
My friends recommended this book to me, so I read it and it was alright. It is an autobiography of Dennis Bergkamp, a famous soccer player who played for the Arsenal in Germany. I am not a fan of Dennis Bergkamp, but it was interesting to learn about where he started and how he became so good. I also learned about what the Arsenal was like before he joined. I was surprised when I learned about this because the Arsenal has changed completely, and according to Bergkamp, it was because of him.
November 3, 2017
If you are fan of Ajax, Dutch football or Arsenal then this is book for you. It is very interesting to read what was happening behind the curtain during Bergkamp's career.
This book is not classical memoir or biography, it is more of a collected interview with Bergkamp and other footballers and managers who are put to form this interesting book. It is interesting some times to see the opinion of the other side in some situations, that is contained here.
For me there was missing a bit of the touch that have memoirs, because of that are the four stars. It was interesting to read about the things that where happening in Ajax and how Bergkamp career was developing.
This book is not classical memoir or biography, it is more of a collected interview with Bergkamp and other footballers and managers who are put to form this interesting book. It is interesting some times to see the opinion of the other side in some situations, that is contained here.
For me there was missing a bit of the touch that have memoirs, because of that are the four stars. It was interesting to read about the things that where happening in Ajax and how Bergkamp career was developing.
January 29, 2018
Историята на Бергкамп и вижданията му за играта са впечатляващи!
За съжаление, преводът и редакцията на българското издание са на доста ниско ниво.
Самата книга е организирана като едно доста голямо интервю, в което Бергкамп на моменти оставя впечатлението, че не (иска да) е напълно откровен и споделящ. Това е странно, имайки предвид характера на книгата, и води до известна досада при четене във въпросните пасажи.
За съжаление, преводът и редакцията на българското издание са на доста ниско ниво.
Самата книга е организирана като едно доста голямо интервю, в което Бергкамп на моменти оставя впечатлението, че не (иска да) е напълно откровен и споделящ. Това е странно, имайки предвид характера на книгата, и води до известна досада при четене във въпросните пасажи.
June 10, 2020
My favourite player as a kid, his goal against Argentina being one of my most seminal and vivid footballing memories. His book is as you would expect, a serious look at the environments that developed his unique coolness and poise. The book, like its subject, is based heavily on the Cruyffian total football and the Dutch heavyweights of the 90's but equal emphasis is put on the Arsenal team he brought to the summit of English football. Very interesting look at a true footballing genius.
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