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'Van Persie is world class like...
Wenger: 'Van Persie is world class like Messi and Rooney'
Published 22:45 13/04/10 By John Cross
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Arsene Wenger last night claimed Robin van Persie can give Arsenal a huge title boost after comparing him to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
Dutch striker Van Persie will be on the bench for tonight's north London derby at Tottenham as the Gunners chase Premier League leaders Chelsea.
But Wenger says fit-again Van Persie - back from a five month injury lay-off - can give Arsenal's hopes a huge lift as he rates the striker in the same world class bracket as Messi and Rooney.
Wenger, ruing not having the Dutchman available for most of the season, said: "You would have talked about him along with the likes of Messi, Ronaldo and Rooney, of that I am sure. Of course he is in that company.
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"The biggest frustration is that he had started to compete as one of the best players in the world and suddenly he was out.
"The sadness was that we lost him very early in the season. Nobody knows what difference he might have made, but I'd have loved to have had him for the whole season.
"Overall, I don't believe we have been unlucky this year. I believe the team has shown unbelievable mental strength and has shown it has made a big step forward and this team deserves a lot of credit.
"But it is great to have Robin back. You look at him in training and it's like he's never been away. He's a very important player for this club.
"He's very important for the confidence of our offensive power. He can give a final ball, score goals and is good on set-pieces.
"He will not start, so I don't think he will be captain. But he is a leader because he has a football brain and is a football thinker. All his vibes are in the game. He is a winner and he has matured a lot in the last three or four years as well."
Wenger also said that Sol Campbell will definitely start at former club Tottenham, while Alex Song is still out injured with a knee problem which will also rule him out of Sunday's trip to Wigan.
William Gallas is still three weeks away and has yet to agree a new contract, while Wenger expressed doubts as to when Andrey Arshavin will play again this season.
Published 22:45 13/04/10 By John Cross
//
// article view //
Arsene Wenger last night claimed Robin van Persie can give Arsenal a huge title boost after comparing him to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
Dutch striker Van Persie will be on the bench for tonight's north London derby at Tottenham as the Gunners chase Premier League leaders Chelsea.
But Wenger says fit-again Van Persie - back from a five month injury lay-off - can give Arsenal's hopes a huge lift as he rates the striker in the same world class bracket as Messi and Rooney.
Wenger, ruing not having the Dutchman available for most of the season, said: "You would have talked about him along with the likes of Messi, Ronaldo and Rooney, of that I am sure. Of course he is in that company.
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"The biggest frustration is that he had started to compete as one of the best players in the world and suddenly he was out.
"The sadness was that we lost him very early in the season. Nobody knows what difference he might have made, but I'd have loved to have had him for the whole season.
"Overall, I don't believe we have been unlucky this year. I believe the team has shown unbelievable mental strength and has shown it has made a big step forward and this team deserves a lot of credit.
"But it is great to have Robin back. You look at him in training and it's like he's never been away. He's a very important player for this club.
"He's very important for the confidence of our offensive power. He can give a final ball, score goals and is good on set-pieces.
"He will not start, so I don't think he will be captain. But he is a leader because he has a football brain and is a football thinker. All his vibes are in the game. He is a winner and he has matured a lot in the last three or four years as well."
Wenger also said that Sol Campbell will definitely start at former club Tottenham, while Alex Song is still out injured with a knee problem which will also rule him out of Sunday's trip to Wigan.
William Gallas is still three weeks away and has yet to agree a new contract, while Wenger expressed doubts as to when Andrey Arshavin will play again this season.