Manchester United's Ryan Giggs Likened to Dennis Bergkamp by Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has compared Ryan Giggs to Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, claiming it is "something special" to see the Welshman performing in the Premier League at the age of 40.

The Frenchman's kind comments came on Giggs' birthday milestone, as reported by Arsenal's official website and Twitter account:

Giggs put on a performance to remember in the final match before his celebration. The Manchester United legend, who joined the club in 1987, dictated play as the Red Devils thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 5-0 at the BayArena.

His touch, passing and vision made the legs of many younger players creak, summed up by a stunning long ball over the German side's defence to Nani, who added a delicate fifth with two minutes to go.

Plaudits have been coming in thick and fast for the man who was voted the Premier League's greatest-ever player at the Premier League's 20-year anniversary awards, as reported by the Press Association (via The Guardian).

Giggs' teammate since 2002, Rio Ferdinand believes the winger-turned-central midfielder still has "another two years left in him," per George Scott of the Daily Star.

Former colleague David Beckham, who rose to prominence alongside Giggs in the "Class of '92," also suggested Giggs' career is "an incredible achievement."

The 38-year-old—who recently called time on his playing days—claims Giggs' appearances in the United squad "make him feel old," as reported by BBC Sport.

Giggs will become only the fourth outfield player over 40 to represent a team in England's top division when he next appears, per Scott's report, joining Teddy Sheringham, Gordon Strachan and Kevin Phillips in the elite club.

Manchester United's legend recently suggested he has no immediate plans to retire, claiming his training regime and loyalty to one team has helped prolong his career, per Sky Sports.

Old Trafford followers will be hoping Giggs can build upon the excellent form shown against Leverkusen when the Premier League champions travel to White Hart Lane in a tricky tie against Andre Villas-Boas' team Dec. 1.