The transformation of Robin van Persie is close to completion
according to Arsène Wenger.
The Dutchman, 24 today, arrived at Arsenal in May 2004 with a
reputation as a talented, if wayward, striker-cum-winger.
A little over three years later the manager admits Van Persie will
be shouldering most of the goalscoring responsibilities when his
side kick-off their Premiership campaign against Fulham at the
weekend.
"I think Robin has been transformed in a very good way since
he arrived," said Wenger. "He has become a great passer
of the ball as well as a talented player.
"Like any talented player, he is always worried about
individual skills but he has improved and, for me, become a
complete team player."
Sunday's game will be Van Persie's first competitive clash
since January 21. The former Feyenoord man missed half a season in
2006/07 with a broken foot but he still managed to be Arsenal's
top marksman. Wenger knows he must forget any lingering concerns if
he is to take on the goalscoring mantle from the departed Thierry
Henry.
"Robin's responsibilities have got higher now Thierry
has left" said the Frenchman. "Before it was all on
[Thierry's] shoulders now it is more on Robin's.
"I want him not to worry about that, just play good football,
enjoy it and not be injured. Last year he could only play 17 games
and missed 21, that was too many. Henry missed 22 so together they
were out for 43."
