The Dutch have a knack of producing technically brilliant forwards. Johan Cruyff, Marco Van Bastan and Dennis Bergkamp, the list goes on. Robin van Persie is another that certainly fits into the description. The Manchester United striker has built a reputation over the last decade as being a superb football player with an eye for a spectacular goal.
AS Roma are the latest side to be linked with the Dutch forward who only played a limited role for the Red Devils last season. Yet despite van Persie not being on top form in the last two seasons, he still could offer plenty to the Italian side.
It is not so long ago since van Persie was one of the most sought after players in the European game. With his contract running out at Arsenal there was a list of suitors competing for the Dutch man’s signature. In the end, van Persie headed to the North West of England, but he had the pick of the top clubs in the Europe. That was only three summer’s ago and even though he has under performed, first under David Moyes and then Louis Van Gaal at Old Trafford, his strike rate is still impressive.
Van Persie has averaged 19.5 goals per season in the last four Premier League campaigns, an incredible record. The former Feyenoord youngster has also performed well on the biggest stages of all in recent years. He scored an impressive four goals in six appearances when Manchester United reached the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2013-2014 season. He lead the Netherlands to a World Cup semi-final last summer, again scoring four goals in six games. He is now also the Netherlands’ top goal scorer of all time, with 49 goals in 96 caps. Van Persie guarantees goals, he would certainly excell in a league which has lost its touch as the centre of excellence for defensive capabilities.
It was going forward where Roma struggled last season. With the inconsistent form of Gervinho, Juan Iturbe and others, the Giallorossi lack the finishing touch that they held the season before. Roma scored 18 fewer goals last season as compared to the 2013-14 season. It is undeniable that the addition of van Persie would go a long way to readdress the teams’ attacking trouble.
Van Persie would offer much more than just goals to Rudi Garcia’s side. The Manchester United forward is a proven winner. One of the major criticism that can be levelled at Roma is their side is not full of these types of player. Apart from Ashley Cole and Maicon, both who has disappointed in their time in the Italian capital and could well move on this summer, none of the current Roma squad have any experience of winning on a regular basis. Van Persie is certainly used to that.
His one FA Cup winners’ medal and Premier League title during his time in England is not a fair reflection of a proper winning mentality. In his first season at Manchester United, van Persie was easily the best player in the Premier League. He almost single-handily steered United to their 20th English league title. This winning streak can sometimes boil over, but in large his drive for success lifts the teams he plays for to greater things. A natural leader on the field, he has captained Arsenal, Manchester United and the Dutch national team. Not a bad list at all.
Roma’s current captain and superb forward is coming to the end of his career. Francesco Totti has been the standard bearer for the Giallorossi for the past two decades, but it appears his time in at the centre of things in Rome could be coming to a close. Van Persie would not be the long term replacement for il capitaino.
Van Persie turns 32 in August and so does not have many years left himself. He would, however, be the perfect man to ease the transition Roma into a new, post Totti, era. His experience would be invaluable for the younger players at the club and the team would still have a talisman upfront as a focal point.
Roma will face competition for van Persie. however, Turkish club Fenerbache have emerged as a possible destination for the Dutch international striker. But there are rivals for his signature even closer to home. Lazio have been heavily linked, although club owner Claudio Lotitio has dismissed such rumours.
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Van Persie certainly would not come cheap for Roma. One of the highest paid players in the Premier League would be a sizeable investment for the Giallorossi even if he took a wage cut. Yet despite the money, van Persie would be a magnificent buy for the club and a real statement of intent.
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