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In a scenario where football, the world’s most popular sport is becoming more and more synonymous with the heroes of this beautiful game , a question often raised is whether the unsung heroes of the game are left out in the cold. Those who are seldom showered with all the glitzy adjectives and those who are never given the recognition and credit they deserve.
While most of the world is engrossed in a heated confrontation about who the best footballer on the planet is, the two main contenders who rule the roost and whose factions are often involved in a tug-of-war of sorts in a battle of ultimate supremacy are none other than Barcelona’s pocket sized powerhouse Lionel Messi and Real Madrid luminary in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The entire footballing fraternity today is divided in two worlds, one that is convinced that the Argentinian ace’s supreme natural ability on the pitch which involves dumbfounding the opposition and ripping through the defense of any side in the world which makes even the best defensive unit in the world look hapless, is good enough to tame the prowess of the Portuguese prodigy.
While others believe Ronaldo is a more complete player and gets the better of Messi on technical fronts, having better ball control, being more proficient in set-piece situations, being a better header of the ball and a more versatile footballer in general. All this melee surrounding the best in the world is nothing less than superfluous considering one of the most talented and underrated footballers of our time is never even considered, he’s none other than Dutch sensation who goes by the name of Robin Van Persie.
Early years
Now before people start gunning for my head, I’d like to make it clear that I’m in no way claiming Robin Van Persie (RVP) is the best in the world but it would also be unfair if his name is not even considered among the elitest of the elite of the game. RVP, who started off his senior career with Dutch club Feyenoord, had a less than convincing debut season and his spat with team coach Van Marwijk didn’t help his cause and eventually after a tumultuous spell with the club, RVP parted ways only for English giants Arsenal to snap him up and what followed is history.
RVP today is regarded as one of Europe’s most feared strikers, who apart from being an amazing dribbler of the ball, can turn the game on its head with his lightning pace and awe-inspiring ball control. To add to his armour, he is extremely efficient in set-piece situations and has rescued the Gunners on innumerable occasions with his wondrous free-kicks, deceiving corners and towering crosses much to the chagrin of the opposition. His ability to switch positions from being deployed as a striker to flying past the wing leaves the opposition defenders gasping for breath while he storms past them leapfrogging his way to glory. If all of this sounds like an exaggeration, you surely mustn’t have seen the magician plying his trade.
Robin Van Persie has something to say about the two-horse race for the best in the world crown.
Robin Van Persie has always been away from the limelight until recently after he single-handedly won several matches for Arsenal on the trot to put most of his detractors to shame who always claimed he was not good enough to emulate what the legendary hit-man Thierry Henry did for the club. However, if one looks back at RVP’s career as a whole, his contribution for Arsenal has always been telling.
Sidelined with injuries
Inspite of being sidelined for long periods due to some harrowing injuries, he has made his presence felt whenever he has stepped on the pitch. RVP banged 7 goals in 10 appearances after being promoted up front following Henry’s departure for the 2007-08 season but as luck had it, he faced a lengthy layoff on the sidelines following a knee injury which kept him out for as long as 2 months. He was back in December but persistent injuries kept him out of action for most of the season.
2008-09 season was one to remember as RVP, who with his surreal form mauled everything that came in his way. In 28 appearances, the Dutchman found the net on 11 occasions and set up 11 others which saw him bag the Arsenal Player of the Season. January 2009 was all about RVP as he contributed in every goal Arsenal scored during the month.
After a promising start to his 2009-10 campaign, he became unstoppable especially in October and again, however, injury got the better of him and this time he was forced to spend time off the pitch for as long as 5 months!
He made his comeback in April and inspite of a long break, he was back in business in no time after scoring through a header against Blackburn. In 16 appearances, the Dutch demigod managed to score 9 and set up 7.
RVP Arsenal’s MVP
RVP continued from where he had left and 2010-11 season saw him break records at will. Not only did he bag the bragging rights for scoring 10 goals in the first two months of the calendar year, which was a record for the most goals scored during this period. Persie’s indefatigable goal-scoring saw him win many accolades, both from the media and from the legends of the game. RVP added another feather to his cap by breaking the record for scoring in 9 consecutive away games in the Premier League.
Inspite of being out injured on a couple of occasions, RVP was back with a bang and scored a crucial goal to help his side beat the might of European powerhouse Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League bout. Some inexplicably bizarre refereeing meant he was sent off in the second leg and his absence was felt throughout the game, Arsenal ending on the losing side eventually.
A new season brought in new challenges for the Arsenal maestro. Following Cesc Fabregas’ departure to Barcelona, RVP was promoted from the club’s vice captain to club captain. However, RVP was all geared up to face any hassle that came his way and he was as incisive in front of goal like he is renowned for. By providing memorable performances against Bolton, Sunderland and Stoke, RVP ensured Arsenal’s season was back on track following a horrendous start to their new campaign. The highlight of the season however, was his bewitching performance in an enthralling game at Stamford Bridge in which he scored a stunning hattrick to hand Arsenal a 5-3 win against their London nemesis.
When we talk about big names in the game, seldom do we mention Robin Van Persie. If we are true to ourselves though, we cannot turn a blind eye to this footballing wizard who with his captivating spells thrills millions of football lovers worldwide. Isn’t it time we started looking beyond our household heros?
