A spectacular talent

les attaquants monégasques Thierry Henry (G) et David Trèzeguet s'amusent, le 09 decembre au Ulrich-Haberland-Stadium à Leverkusen, lors d'une séance d'entraînement à la veille de la rencontre Bayer-Leverkusen/A.S.Monaco, comptant pour la 6e journée de la Ligue des champions.

Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry is quite simply one of the greatest players in the game today.

A junior European champion with friends David Trezeguet and Nicolas Anelka back in 1996, he has emerged as the best of the crop and has won nearly every major honour in the game.

Since making his international debut against South Africa in October, 1997 he has played in two World Cups, including the 1998 victory, as well as the triumphant campaign at Euro 2000.

Now at the height of his powers he has another chance to shine as Euro 2004 prepares to take center stage.

Monaco's Thierry Henry (C) tries to outstep Troyes midfielders Maufroy (L) and Boisseau 11 December in a League Cup match in Louis II stadium.

Differences with his first professional club Monaco led to a move to Italy's Serie A and Juventus in January 1999.

However, in Turin he was unable to settle in his game, even with the support of compatriots Zinedine Zidane and Didier Deschamps, admitting: "It was too early for me to show what I can do in the Italian league".

A life less troublesome

Arsenal's Thierry Henry kicks the ball against Lokomotiv Moskva during their Group B Champions League match 10 December, 2003 at Highbury, London. Arsenal won 2-0. AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS

Ironically, it was when Anelka left Arsenal in rather acrimonious circumstances that Henry found his paradise, at Highbury with his former coach Arsene Wenger and compatriots Emmanuel Petit, Gilles Grimandi and Patrick Vieira.

French striker Thierry Henry celebrates with The F.A Cup after Arsenal beat Chelsea at The Millenium Stadium in Cardiff 04 May 2002. Arsenal won the game 2-0. AFP PHOTO Adrian DENNIS

Since August 3, 1999, an eternal smile has been brandished on the face of the young hopeful, playing for the "Gunners", the club of his dreams.

Before his departure for England, Henry had been habitually played in a forward supporting role on the left flank, where his speed and ability to run on to and with the ball were put to good use.

In London, Wenger has taken his progress a step further, employing him in a more central and pivotal striker's position, something which he has embraced with a passion, as many of his goals and premier league defences will testify.

A technically gifted player who can also be physical when it counts, unpredictable and inspirational on the park.

During France's exciting drive to the Euro 2000 title Henry was a constant source of danger to opposing defences and chipped in with three goals as France stormed to the championship, culminating with Trezeguet's golden goal winner in the final against Italy.

French forwards Nicolas Anelka, Syvlain Wiltord and Thierry Henry (from L) show the European Cup to the fans gathered, 03 July 2000 at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, to celebrate France's victory over Italy (2-1 in extra time) in the Euro-2000 soccer championship final in Rotterdam. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE)

Senegalese defender Omar Daf (L) grabs French forward Thierry Henry during their 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan opening match in Seoul, 31 May 2002. Senegal beats France 1-0. AFP PHOTO/Patrick HERTZOG

Although the 2002 World Cup was a disaster for everyone involved in the French campaign, Henry has put the disappointment behind him and just goes from strength to strength.

Some of his performances for Arsenal and France will be talked about for years and it looks as if this exciting talent is just getting started.

He won the scoring title, player of the year award and helped Arsenal to another title in a superb campaign in 2004.