Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Robin van Persie has
become a complete team player and is the key to Arsenals success
in the coming season.
The striker, 24 today, arrived from Feyenoord in 2004 with a
reputation for being a highly talented, but difficult to manage
youngster.
In his time at Arsenal, his talents have been realised, after
playing for three seasons under the shadow of Thierry Henry.
Despite an injury ravaged season last time around, van Persie
showed immense talent and ended the year as Arsenals top
scorer.
He goes into the coming campaign knowing that he is now Wengers
first choice striker. The Dutchmans time has come to shine, and
his manager believes that van Persie has the talent to
succeed.
I think Robin has been transformed in a very good way since he
arrived, said Wenger on Arsenals official website. He has become
a great passer of the ball as well as a talented player.
Like any talented player, he is always worried about individual
skills but he has improved and, for me, become a complete team
player.
Sunday will mark the first competitive game for van Persie after
sustaining a broken foot against Manchester United in January. His
boss realizes that following the departure of the talismanic Henry,
it is down to van Persie as the clubs senior striker to do his
part in filling the void in goals.
Robins responsibilities have got higher now Thierry has left
said the Frenchman.
Before it was all on (Thierrys) shoulders now it is more on
Robins.
I want him not to worry about that, just play good football, enjoy
it and not be injured. Last year he could only play 17 games and
missed 21, that was too many. Henry missed 22 so together they were
out for 43.
Well,it's still too early to say
all these but I do believe he'll come up top.