Arsene Wenger believes one day Thierry Henry will finally be recognised as the player of his generation.
The Arsenal and France striker has been shortlisted for the FIFA world player of the year award, along with Ronaldinho of Barcelona and AC Milan forward Andriy Shevchenko.
The accolade, set to be presented in Zurich on Monday night, is voted for by national team coaches, and Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has already claimed it would be 'a travesty' should Henry not win.
Shevchenko was named European footballer of the year last week, and Wenger admits he would not be surprised to see Henry miss out again. "I think there is a little bit of anti-English attitude, I don't know why," reflected the Arsenal boss. "I have had that feeling before when I was not in England. I think it is difficult for people to acknowledge that England has become maybe a super-strong league."
He added: "I am disappointed for Thierry. The Ballon D'Or (European award) is voted for in France and players who are less good than Thierry got it before, the FIFA award as well I feel. For a player in his position, I respect the number of games he plays – this guy has played every year over 50 games."
"Then here is a guy who scores goals every year - last year it was 40 altogether. He played the whole season unbeaten in the league, where you go to Manchester, to Newcastle and Southampton - on an average day you can lose everywhere."
"Then he is the best passer in the league, and yet still a player comes out who is in front of him. See who comes out in front of him in FIFA, and compare just the numbers, not whether they are a good player or not, and there is no comparison."
Wenger, though, believes one day Henry will get the official recognition his talents deserve.
"Overall his performances over the years will make a big difference," declared the Arsenal manager. "Players come in for one year, then they disappear again - he is third or second every year."
"When he will get it, he will see that he is really the player of his generation, because when you look at it year after year it will come out that he is the one who has always made it."
"I think it is very important for him to continue to be where he is at the moment."
