Ian Wright has now named Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp as the greatest maverick he ever played alongside in his career.
Wright was asked the question on the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, and also mentioned some other familiar names.
Although, there was some confusion in the studio when Jamie Carragher asked for the definition of a ‘maverick’.
So for the ease of understanding, a maverick is defined as: ‘an unorthodox or independent-minded person.’
That being said, here are Wright’s thoughts: “I think the best I played with was probably Bergkamp.
“The best I saw was [Zinedine] Zidane, in the way he played, I didn’t get to see [Diego] Maradona.
“I’ve seen [Lionel] Messi, I’d probably have to say Messi is probably a maverick isn’t he, probably the best I’ve seen.”
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Of course, Arsenal signed Dennis Bergkamp for a record breaking £8m in 1995 after an underwhelming few seasons at Inter Milan – but what followed was quite brilliant.
And having been at the club until 1998, Ian Wright enjoyed some great memories alongside Bergkamp in North London.
Ian Wright says Dennis Bergkamp was the great maverick he played with at Arsenal
Whilst Bergkamp was a pretty unique talent, one pundit has compared him to a current member of this Arsenal squad.
Dean Ashton saw similarities in his skillset with Kai Havertz at Arsenal.
Although, I’m pretty sure Dennis Bergkamp was never asked to play at left-back for his country as with Havertz over the break.
Either way, it’s a huge compliment for Havertz to be mentioned in such esteem.
And the comparison is perhaps an ode to Havertz’s unique style – one that many fans don’t currently appreciate.
It would certainly be interesting to hear Ian Wright’s thoughts on Havertz at Arsenal had he been playing alongside him like Bergkamp.
Perhaps Kai Havertz can turn out to be a maverick for Arsenal himself – something Mikel Arteta clearly believes.
And although the German is now starting to show signs of improvement, he’s unlikely to be in Arteta’s starting XI against Brentford this weekend.
Martin Odegaard is now back fit, and is rarely left on the bench when so.