“When I extended my deal a couple of years ago at Arsenal, I felt that was the right move for me – to stay and play because I wasn’t finished there. Now, since last summer, I wanted to go for a big challenge, and this was the biggest challenge for me. I think every day tells me that I made the right move. It’s nothing bad about Arsenal. No player is bigger than the club, Arsenal will always challenge for trophies and be up there. It was just that after eight years I was ready to move on and try something else. I am seeing things again which I haven’t seen for a long time. When I first went to Arsenal years ago I saw things from [Dennis] Bergkamp and [Thierry] Henry that I had never seen in my life before. Now I am seeing those things again and that makes me happy. It’s like being a kid in a sweet shop. This is having fun, enjoying myself. That’s what I am doing, I’m just having fun.” – Robin van Persie (Sky Sports)
Rooney and Van Persie: Strengths and Weaknesses
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The signing of Robin van Persie by Manchester United is a move that shocked the football world and creates one of the most famous striker partnerships on the planet. But, as we’ve all seen with Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres, sometimes pairing two superstar strikers together doesn’t work out.
Here are some of the expected strengths and weaknesses of the tandem…
Strengths:
- Finishing – Combining the Premier League scoring totals of Rooney and Van Persie from last season you get 57 goals in 72 appearances or a combined goal scoring ratio of 0.79 per game. With 57 goals combined between the two strikers that’s more goals than fifteen Premier League teams scored last season.
- Passing – What elevates Rooney and Van Persie above the likes of Darren Bent is their ability to not only put the ball in the back of the net but also create for others. The two player combined for 13 assists last season and Van Persie led all strikers with 92 chances created (Rooney was fifth with 51).
- Experience – This is a strength few are talking about as the Premier League is one of the most difficult leagues in the world to adapt to. Van Persie joins United with over 13,000 minutes played in the Premier League – when coupled with Rooney’s vast experience (over 24,000 minutes played) you’re looking at one of the most experienced front lines in the league.
Weaknesses:
- Aerial ability – Despite Van Persie’s height (188cm – 6’2″) he cannot jump very high and has poor timing with headers, a flaw which some believe holds him back from being the best striker in the world. Rooney has natural instincts in the air but is much shorter (177cm – 5’9″) meaning he cannot compete aerially on a consistent basis with some of the taller Premier League defenders.
- Formation limitations – Alex Ferguson is a manager who likes to mix-up formations, tactics, and personnel based on his opponent. Unfortunately for him both Rooney and Van Persie are almost exclusively players who play in the center of the pitch (Rooney started one match out right last season). This means formations such as 4-3-3 are likely out of the question with both players on the pitch.
- Direct play – Long gone are the days of heaving the ball up to Dimitar Berbatov. With the addition of Shinji Kagawa we can expect United to rely on intricate build-up play between the Japanese star, Van Perise, and Rooney. The Red Devils may struggle this season to unlock teams who crowd the middle and force United to play out wide and attempt long balls forward.
In short, while the dynamic duo of Van Persie and Rooney seems like a goal scoring machine there are some drawbacks to the partnership. Both players were 1-2 in shooting in the Premier League last season and combined to shoot 331 times, although this season’s number will likely be lower when they’re wearing the same shirt.
How will both players who are so used to the ball being at their feet in goal scoring positions play when it’s only their half as much? Poorly in the case of Drogba and Torres, let me know below with your thoughts on Van Persie and Rooney…
RVP – Best “Out and Out” Striker?
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Some people have called Robin van Perise the best “out and out” striker in the world. Here’s why I disagree with this notion:
— Health —- When Van Persie plays he makes an impact, no question. But how often does he play? Last season was just the second time Van Persie appeared in more than 45 games in his entire career, which has likely hit its growth peak at 28 years old. It’s no secret as players age they often become more injury prone and this is a big concern for suitors of RVP.
— Finishing —- Van Persie led the Premier League in scoring last year with 30 goals. While it’s an impressive total, it should be noted that it took him 174 shots to reach that total (the most in the league by 17 shots), or 1 goal for every 5.8 shots. Comparing him to the likes of Ibrahimovic (28 goals, 141 shots, 1 goal every 5 shots) and Cavani (23 goals, 123 shots, 1 goal every 5.3 shots) his goal rate looks less impressive with other proclaimed “top strikers” who played in the Serie A last season where tactics are generally more defensive and fewer goals are allowed.
— Recent Form —- In the modern era of football where major tournaments make big contracts you’re often only as good as your recent performances. In competitive matches for club and country, RVP has scored only 5 times in his last 1245 minutes on the pitch, or a goal every 249 minutes played. Having taken 66 shots in these 1245 minutes, that’s a goal approximately every 13 shots. I understand players have dips in form but Van Persie’s timing with his lack of form may cost him millions.
While Van Persie is certainly in the discussion for the best “out and out” striker in the world in my opinion he currently doesn’t fit the bill.