Shirt Number: #20 | Date of Birth: 6 August 1983 | Place of Birth: Rotterdam, Netherlands | Nationality: Dutch
Player Position: Striker | 2014/2015: 27 apps, 10 goals
BACKGROUND
A Feyenoord youth product, Robin van Persie broke into Rotterdam outfits first team, inviting Arsenal to place a bid. This was seemingly worthwhile as the striker shone during his time with the Gunners, even progressing to wear the armband with his leadership qualities along with his goal scoring abilities. He then completed a £22.5million transfer to his former sides’ top flight rivals. This symbolises just how far the Netherlands international has come, a bargain buy for Arsene Wengers’ side when transferring to the Emirates for a mere £2.75milloon. Van Persie also represents his country.
STRENGTHS
As a striker, the 31-year-old naturally leads the frontline, putting the icing on the cake so to speak. Starting off as left winger means van Persie still possess’ that wand of a left foot to hit them from distance. When not doing do, he can outwit his opponents by finding space when latching onto a through ball for example. Non-hesitant when making decisions, this is department where forward is often speedier than defenders. Finally, the man in question can set up his teammates as they do him with wonderful passes, and holding up play for them.
WEAKNESSES
You don’t often catch the Dutchman bombing down the pitch as he once used to which means the extended of his fearlessness does not stretch to picking up the ball and running at his markers. Additionally, despite netting that header at the World Cup that saw him dubbed the ‘Flying Dutchman,’ van Persie isn’t often as successful in the air. Despite talking of his special awareness as a strength, the Red Devils’ number 20 is often caught offside, forgetful of the offside rule.
EXPECTATIONS
I suppose this is all dependent on whether van Persie stays or goes. Although, despite his age, you’d expect him to still have a few goals left in him. Or so the likes of Juventus believe. What you’d expect of him now is somewhat different to what Sir Alex asked of him upon his arrival at Old Trafford, reliant upon the striker to fire them to top of the table in what we knew would be the final big money move of his career.
