52. Nicklas Bendtner

Nicklas Bendtner is becoming a major player at Arsenal.

The Danish international arrived in North London in the summer of 2004 at the age of 16 and is living proof that you can make that step from the academy to the first-team.

After learning his trade in the youth ranks, Nicklas benefited from a productive loan spell with Birmingham, helping them win promotion to the Premier League.

The striker admits that his time at St. Andrews was a vital step in his development and he proved it by breaking into the Arsenal first team in 2007/08 and challenging for a regular place last season.

Nicklas scored 15 times in 27 starts last term – an impressive haul for a player who is still so young. He made an additional 23 appearances as an impact substitute, netting vital late winners against Dynamo Kyiv and Bolton.

Nicklas is big but has a deft touch on the floor. He has the ability to link midfield and attack with intelligence then finish off the move with precision. Those attributes have helped him adapt to a new role on the right of a three-pronged attack.

The Dane has another target for this season – to play in his first World Cup. As a regular for the Denmark national side, Nicklas’ goals could propel his country to the finals in South Africa.

 

MY YEAR

October

Nicklas scored twice for Arsenal in October despite missing the win against Birmingham and trip to Alkmaar through injury. His first came in the last minute of the 6-2 win over Blackburn and his second ensured Arsenal's progression in the Carling Cup. He scored the winner in a 2-1 win over Liverpool but then limped off in the first half of the North London derby with a groin injury.


September

Nicklas started against Manchester City, Standard Liege and Fulham in September. He slotted home the goal that gave Arsenal hope on the stroke of half-time against Standard Liege. He was a substitute against Wigan and assisted the team's fourth goal of that game, crossing low to Cesc Fabregas at the near post. He missed the match against Olympiacos through injury. The striker also auctioned a pair of his famous pink football boots in September, raising £2,250 for Danish charity Børnecancerfonde.

August

Nicklas played in all five Gunners matches in August. He changed his squad number to 52, and in a gesture of goodwill to supporters, he offered to personally cover the costs for any supporter who wished to change their replica kit had they purchased his name with No 26 on the back this summer.

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