 Although he was known for his ability to score several goals for his team as a forward , Bergkamp was also capable of playing behind a lone striker , where he essentially functioned in the number 10 role as a playmaking attacking midfielder or deep @-@ lying forward , due to his ball skills and creative ability , which enabled him to drop deep between the lines and link @-@ up play . A quick , elegant , intelligent , and technically gifted player , his excellent first touch , quick feet , dribbling ability , and change of pace enabled him to beat defenders in one on one situations , while his attacking movement , physique , balance , and close control allowed him to hold up the ball and create space for team mates ; his vision and passing range with both feet subsequently allowed him to provide assists for on @-@ running strikers . Bergkamp often stated that he preferred playing in this deeper role , as he derived more pleasure from assisting goals , rather than scoring them himself . 
