Nicklas Bendtner Bio Send To Friend  

Offered a mixed reception at Arsenal since he made the breakthrough into the first team in 2008, the striker is a key performer for his country and is highly rated by Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, although suffers from the odd lack of focus that has not made him the most popular of players.

Bendtner began his career in his homeland but joined Arsenal as a youngster in 2004. He first came to the fore with a good scoring spell on loan at Birmingham in 2006 and returned to Arsenal a year later to fight for his place in the first team. A Danish youth international, he made his debut for the senior side at just 18 years old and has continued to develop into a fine striker, albeit prone to an occasional lack of judgement.

Caught leaving a nightclub after Arsenal's 3-1 defeat by Man Utd in May 2009, Bendtner was also lucky to escape without serious injury after crashing his car while on the way to training later that year. His off-pitch actions have caused controversy, as have suggestions that he is a disruptive influence in the dressing room, but he remains a top performer when he is on the pitch and will lead the line for his country at the World Cup.

Strengths: Tall and strong, he is able to hold opponents off the ball and has a good eye for a pass. He can make a real impact off the bench and has an aerial threat boosted by a terrific jump.

Weaknesses: His finishing has come under the microscope after some high-profile misses, while his attitude has also been questioned. Accused of arrogance in the past.

Career high: Scoring his first Premier League goal - the winner against Tottenham in December 2007 - and picking up the record for the fastest goal ever scored by a substitute (1.8 seconds).

Career low: Fighting with Emmanuel Adebayor on the pitch against Tottenham in the Carling Cup in January 2008. Or wearing pink boots at the end of that year.

Style: Confident, powerful, pacy, a physical presence up front.

Quotes: "He is a player who will improve every year. Nicklas is a good size and is a very pacy player considering his size. He has an intelligent game with good vision." Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, October 2009.

Trivia: When Bendtner decided to swap his number from 26 to 52 for the 2009-10 season, he offered to pay for all the Arsenal fans who had bought his shirt to have the number changed, out of his own pocket.

Soccernet says: One of Denmark's key players, his aerial ability and versatility up front makes him a dangerous proposition for his opponents.