When Robin Van Persie scored Arsenal’s third in the North London derby against Spurs, it prompted me to draw comparisons with the Real Madrid legend Raul. He has scored seven goals in the league and been given the role of the top of the Gunners attack. He has previously been compared to Dennis Bergkamp who was a genius at linking up attacks with the rest of his teammates.
With Emmaunuel Adebayor being thrusted out of the club in the summer, many Gooners feared there was no longer a focal point at Arsenal. Bendtner wasn’t quite ready to be given the responsibility and pressure that comes with probably the most important part of a team. I know, Van Persie is only just settling into the role as the centre point but began the season by setting up players, but ultimately not quite fulfilling his role.
Everyone knows the talent this boy has, especially when he scores like the one against Manchester City. Who can forget his goal against Charlton? Bootyfull!
He has relied on his fantastic talent to finish moves like against Fulham and Birmingham but in his defence is slowly developing a prowess for the goals, shown against West Ham and Blackburn. Sometimes a player isn’t born with an eye for goal (like Eto’o or Torres) but learns to develop it and becomes a success.
Obviously it has only just hit November, but what is evident is now he has shrugged off his injuries (I say a prayer every night), he looks like he is focused and ready to become the main man at Arsenal. Over the years The Arsenal have been blessed with talent like George, Brady, Wright, Adams and more recently, Henry and Viera just to name a few. Van Persie could well be up there too.
On Saturday, Sagna put in a cross towards the end of the first half and Van Persie attacked the space and got his just reward. In the second half, he was there again in case the ball squirmed through King and Gomes and when it did, he duly tapped it in. He can hold the ball up, take free kicks as well as drag the team out of a bad spot. He’s still only 25 but is starting to look like a striker that anticipates and is determined to score.
He reminds me so much of Raul in terms of awaiting mistakes and pouncing on them. Raul’s goal against AC Milan in the Champions League was exactly what he’s all about. Of course it’s all early stages and I’m comparing him to one of the best, but if he continues like this, he becomes of one Europe’s hottest strikers.
He’s underrated, the underdog. He is someone who has put his bad antics behind him. He is ready. Now let’s hope for Arsenal’s sake, this Dutchman has a great season. You never know, he could well be in next year’s World Player of the Year list.
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