Wenger - Van Persie learned from Bergkamp

By Chris Harris

When Robin van Persie arrived at Arsenal, he became the apprentice to Dennis Bergkamp's sorcerer. Now, according to Arsène Wenger, the in-form Dutchman is ready to emulate his distinguished mentor.

Bergkamp is of course a bonafide Arsenal legend. His record of 120 goals in 423 appearances is impressive enough but he was a seminal signing back in 1995 as the Gunners swapped their 'boring' tag for a 'scoring' one. Bergkamp became the creative hub of Wenger's most successful sides and took Van Persie under his wing when the then 20-year-old moved from Feyenoord to Arsenal.

Nearly five years on, Van Persie's transformation from raw individual to accomplished team player is virtually complete. He has scored or set up every Arsenal goal in 2009 and is a shoo-in for the O2 Arsenal.com Player of the Month for January award - his third in a row.

Wenger attributes much of Van Persie's success to the player's own desire and ability. But the Arsenal manager believes that the timing of Van Persie's arrival in North London also helped - because Bergkamp was in the twilight of his career and ready to pass on his knowledge.

"At the start we gave him Dennis Bergkamp as a role model and he is growing into that role very well. Just look at the numbers," said Wenger. "He is more of a goalscorer than Dennis and I think he has developed his vision and passing well.
 
"Robin respected Dennis and listened to his advice. He arrived when Dennis was already 33, 34 so he accepted to play that kind of master advice [role]. It was not anymore about him [Van Persie] taking his place. He wanted to help him.

"I believe that Robin is passionate about the game. He was a little bit sidelined in Holland when we bought him and [during the] first year we observed him when he was more on the bench. In fact we watched him more in the Reserves than in the first team.
 
"When he arrived here it was a big move for him physically and mentally but I believe he has survived because of his talent and his intelligence but mainly because of his passion for the game. He wanted absolutely to make it. He has developed less on his individual talent than as a team player. "

[Tuesday, February 10, 2009]

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