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Robin Van Persie has been a mainstay in English football for sometime now. In fact, he was once one of, if not the most feared striker in the Premier League. It was just two years ago that Van Persie was Alex Ferguson’s no. 1 in the forward department. The Dutch striker had plundered 26 goals in Manchester United’s title winning season. Since then, we have never really seen the same level of performances from the once prolific goalscorer. His decline occurred abruptly and it is fair to say that most of us did not see it come it coming at this moment in time. Louis Van Gaal’s arrival was supposed to reinvigorate the forward, but it seems to have done just the opposite. So how did Robin Van Persie go from being the club’s undisputed most important player, to a player who might not even be good enough to stay at Manchester United next season?
Ferguson’s Timing
Alex Ferguson has accomplished many things in his glittering career. The countless Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup titles keep the list extending on infinitely. However, Ferguson’s signing of Robin Van Persie was more to save himself rather than for the best interests of the club. Manchester United have prided themselves on building players from young boys into men who are champions of the game. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and so many others were brought to United and developed into class athletes. In the 2012/13 season, Ferguson shattered this long-standing tradition.Click & Close Ads
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His purchase of Robin Van Persie came when Van Persie was already 29 years old. Ferguson likely knew that this season would be his last and in turn, brought in a ready made player that could bring him the fairy tale ending. It was either selfishness on Ferguson’s part to bring in an already ageing player, or simply a miscalculated business move. Right now, Robin Van Persie and Manchester United are feeling the effects of this ill-timed transfer. Van Persie cannot influence games like he used to because he is ageing and his reflexes are beginning to slow down. He is already in his thirties and from here things will only go downhill. In terms of thinking about the long run, the move for signing Van Persie was the wrong one. It did not only negatively affect the club as a whole. The transfer, which occurred far too late, set Van Persie up to fail rather than succeed.
Lack of Versatility
Before his later years at Arsenal and Man United, Van Persie played multiple positions. He played in attacking midfield and left midfield as well as playing upfront. Recently, Van Persie seems to be morphed into a pure out and out striker. In his later seasons at Arsenal, Wenger placed in this position and it was here that he succeeded the most. This was proven by his large goal tallies. At United Van Persie began his stay at Old Trafford calling himself a number nine and a half. However, as the season progressed, it was evident that Van Persie was pushed higher up the pitch on the last defender. After years of playing in this position, Van Persie has become accustomed to it.
This has seen the versatility he did have evaporate into thin air. This season, when Van Persie attempts to drop deep, he slowed down the entire game. Many times he conceded possession as a result of being too lethargic on the ball. His energy and drive has deserted him and he is no longer to play in deeper positions. Even with his energy, Van Persie’s range of passing is still not strong enough to compete with the very best. Additionally, Van Persie playing a deep role would be a liability defensively. His lack of the ability to close down quickly would allow opponents to have more time on the ball. Van Persie’s lack of versatility means that he can only play as a leading striker which is his best position. Unfortunately there are now others far more effective than him in that role.
Van Persie remains a wonderful asset for a top club to have. However, his best is clearly behind him. Ferguson’s transfer dealings coupled with his narrow skill set have all contributed to the forward’s fall from grace.Click & Close Ads
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Friday, June 19, 2015
