Who is Mitchel Bergkamp? Things to know about Dennis’ son

It’s not the highest-profile signing you are likely to see on deadline day, but Watford have completed the signing of Dutch midfielder Mitchel Bergkamp, son of Arsenal and Ajax legend Dennis.

The 22-year-old was released by Eredivisie side Almere City last summer and is now looking to follow in the footsteps of the marginally more famous Bergkamp who came before him – one that scored over 100 goals and became Invincible in an illustrious decade with Arsenal.

But what is there to know about the latest chapter in the Bergkamp saga? And what sort of player are Watford bringing to Vicarage Road?

We’ve got you covered.

OK, before anyone takes exception to how long we’re about to spend comparing him to his dad, just hold your horses.

Bergkamp Jr. doesn’t mind the comparisons: in fact he’s come to see them as a source of inspiration.

He told the Watford website after he signed: “When I was younger it was difficult [to be compared all the time] but I’ve adapted to it now. It’s just my name and I’m my own player and hopefully I can leave my own legacy.

“He’s been amazing to me and for me. He’s my number one fan and has always been there for me. It’s a privilege to have him as my dad and to work with him on my game.”

A professional deal at Watford is a strong start, but if he wants to truly step out of his dad’s shadow and be remembered as his own player, then mini Bergkamp has plenty of work left to do.

Despite being 22, he is yet to make a senior debut at club level, having spent the past seven years of his career in Almere City’s academy.

That’s not to say he has no competitive experience, though. Prior to leaving in the summer, me made 47 recorded appearances for Almere in the Derde Divisie – effectively the Dutch equivalent of League Two.

At his peak, Dennis Bergkamp was perhaps the best player in the world to watch. Known for his close control and propensity for the spectacular, he made a career out of finding pockets of space behind the striker from which to wreak havoc – he scored 110 goals for Arsenal and 121 for Ajax doing just that.

It may come as no surprise to hear that Mitchel describes himself as “a No. 10 who likes to keep possession, create chances and score goals,” then.

And judging from a handful of videos on his Instagram, he’s not a bad entertainer himself. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Mitchel has been keen to try his hand in English football for a while, and had designs on a move to Arsenal back in October, when Steve Bould was looking to add some more experienced players to his Under-23 side.

After running the rule over him for a week, the Gunners decided against offering him a deal, and Watford will be hoping they come to regret that decision.

In a somewhat bizarre coincidence, Bergkamp arrives at Watford in the same week the club also signed Maurizio Pochettino – son of PSG and former Tottenham manager Mauricio.

Poch Jr, just 19, will play alongside Bergkamp for the Under-23 side, who play in the southern division of the Professional Development League.

That’s where most of the top Championship sides play their reserve football – the duo will face off with Cardiff, Swansea, QPR and Bristol City among others.

Despite most of his footballing education coming in the Netherlands, Bergkamp has an affinity with London, where he spent much of his early life before his dad retired and moved back to the Netherlands.

Mitchel sees London, and in particularly Arsenal, as his ‘home’ despite the other clubs his dad plays for.

He said last year: “My father also played for Internazionale and Ajax, two wonderful clubs, but Arsenal feels like home.”