Has RVP become the real deal?

Published February 15, 2011 | By rbrady1985

Arsenal centre forward Robin Van Persie has produced a string of consistent and impressive goal scoring displays this season, something which have been previously been missing from his game.

When the Dutchman arrived from Feyenoord in a £2.75 million move he was originally a left sided midfielder. However, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is renowned for moulding a player into a new position and you have to look no further than the exploits of Thierry Henry for validation of that. The Frenchman was also signed as a left winger in a move from French Ligue 1 side Monaco, but Wenger saw an opportunity to concentrate his raw ability in other areas. In doing so, Henry was inaugurated as a Highbury legend and became part of ‘The Invincibles’ side that went unbeaten for an entire Premier League season.

Van Persie’s situation though, differs, and upon signing for the North London club it was clear that he possessed more technical ability to what Wenger inherited with Henry. A commodity of the Dutch passing game he was a player Wenger viewed as integral to developing and asserting his footballing philosophy.

Yet, since his 2004 move, the Rotterdam born forward has struggled to establish himself as a top class striker; mainly due to injury and a lack of clinical finishing in front of goal. Arsenal have managed only one piece of silverware in that time, courtesy of an F.A. Cup Final victory over Manchester United on penalties; the match had ended goal-less after extra time.

Nevertheless, this season the Emirates club are seeking to dispel the negativity that surrounds their recent trophy shortcomings. Entering their sixth year without an honour, they will be hoping to break the baron spell on February 27th when they take on Birmingham City in the Carling Cup Final. Moreover, their persistence in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and F.A. Cup will undoubtedly spur them on and spread confidence throughout what is still a young side.

In many ways, Van Persie could be the club’s catalyst for success if he can continue the killer instinct in front of goal which he has developed in the current campaign. The 6ft 2inch hit-man has scored 10 goals in his last seven appearances; including his first Premier League hat-trick against Wigan Athletic, and two braces against Newcastle United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively.

It seems with the Dutchman adding goals to his game he is fast becoming an indispensible outlet having already become an accomplished player at set pieces whilst fitting in with Wenger’s passing style of play.

At 27, his best years seem to be ahead of him so he will be looking to improve his current record of 85 goals in 216 appearances for Arsenal. Van Persie’s performances this season may be linked to taking up the No. 10 shirt formerly occupied by another Dutchman, the legend that is Dennis Bergkamp. Although, he’s some way from emulating any similar kind of success, if he continues the form of 2011 it won’t be too long until he’s there.

See Van Persie in action on Wednesday night when Arsenal take on Catalonian giants Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

Posted in Football Analysis | Tagged Arsenal, Dennis Bergkamp, Dutch, EPL, Feyenoord, Goals, Jack Wilshere, Premiership, Robin van Persie, Thierry Henry

http://blog.tikabooson.com/ tikabooson

Every year I see RVP get into a bit of a run of goals and think that with a fit RVP Arsenal win the league; then he gets injured. Now more than ever Arsenal need him to be firing, I think he’s possibly the most integral player to any of the top teams, without him Arsenal are a different proposition.
Simon

Henry was signed from Juventus, not Monaco
mark

i think he always been awesome
Ash

I’ve got to say RVP has been class for the last 3-4 years, with the humongous problem being his injuries. When he first came to this country he was a prize prick, but after taking the standard couple of years for johnny foreigner to settle in the EPL, he’s been class.