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Going Dutch suits Arsenal

Robin van Persie's recent performances have seen him emerge as the ideal replacement for Arsenal FC's ageing striker Dennis Bergkamp.

Withdrawn foil
According to Bergkamp, 36, now in his eleventh campaign at Highbury, and many other observers, Arsenal already have another Dutchman in their squad talented enough to succeed him in his role as withdrawn foil to principal striker and record-breaking goalscorer Thierry Henry.

Memorable cameo
Robin van Persie, 22, may have played only the final 25 minutes of Arsenal's UEFA Champions League Group B victory against AC Sparta Praha last Wednesday, but it was long enough for him to score twice and turn an efficient team display into something more memorable and convincing.

Bergkamp's assessment
"He is one of those players who can change a game and he showed that," said Bergkamp, who partnered Van Persie after the youngster came on for Henry, scorer of Arsenal's 23rd-minute opener. "He is a confidence player and has big potential for the future. He can make goals and he can score goals."

'Big steps'
Van Persie, who has overcome a year beset by difficulties off the field, had never lost Wenger's confidence in his ability and character. "Robin is improving," said Wenger. "We've made big steps with him. He's found his confidence and it's very positive."

Important examples
The former Feyenoord prodigy, modestly deflecting praise to his team-mates, played down his recent success and attributed his timely return to form to hard work and the example set by such senior professionals as England defender Sol Campbell and countryman Bergkamp.

Learning curve
"People say it is easy to come to a big, new club and you have a fantastic life, but that is not true," he said. "The truth is that you have to work very hard and people forget this. I have worked hard and I have learned very much from the other players here."

Favoured position
Van Persie avoided being led into comparisons with Bergkamp, but admitted he enjoys operating in a similar secondary striking position. "No, I don't want to be compared to him," he said. "I have too much respect for Dennis as a person and as a leader to do that."

Sunderland success
Van Persie's first real statement of intent this season came on 25 October when Arsenal won an English League Cup tie at Sunderland AFC. Van Persie started in a young Arsenal lineup and scored twice, once from a penalty, and his performance was warmly praised by opposition manager Mick McCarthy. "That was very nice for me," said the forward. "I heard about it and I saw it on television. Yes, it has been a very good two weeks for me!"

Devastating display
Van Persie repaid McCarthy for his warm words last Saturday with another devastating display against Sunderland, this time in the Premiership. After just eleven minutes at Highbury, he neatly controlled a long pass from Campbell before firing the opening goal in a 3-1 victory.

Premiership focus
That performance underlined how he and Bergkamp are intent on helping Arsenal bring their consistent UEFA Champions League form - they have won their first four games to confirm their knockout stage place - into the Premiership where they occupy fifth position, eleven points behind leaders Chelsea FC. "It used to be the other way around," said Bergkamp. "I don't know why. We are not doing things any differently. Now, we can concentrate on the league and collecting points."

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