Why I admire the ambitious arrogance of Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner

By John Cross

Published 10:03 12/11/09

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Nicklas Bendtner has divided opinion up until this season.

Bendtner is 21, yet to make himself an Arsenal regular but has an arrogant swagger. This season, that has changed. Bendtner has worked hard, improved and been a sensation for Denmark.

Then this week, on collecting his Player of the Year and Goal of the Year awards, he said he wanted to become the best in the world in five years. Oh, and also the top scorer in the World Cup and Premier League.

In my intro to the story, I called it an outrageous claim. After all, the guy has only scored one Premier League goal this season before being ruled out for several weeks after groin surgery.

But I really admire Bendtner for what he has said. What a brilliant, refreshing attitude. A footballer with something to say, self belief and confidence. So many of them probably think it but just sit there and give boring answers.

Bendtner is setting his sights high. The very top, in fact. He is, after all, only 21. He comes from a country renowned for footballing technique, he works under a brilliant coach and is going to the World Cup as his country's top striker.

Why not go for it and say what you feel. We may all have different opinions on whether he's good enough. I think he's improved beyond all recognition.

But he'll never reach the top unless he believes he can do it. And Bendtner is certainly not lacking in belief. Well done to him for that.

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