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Wenger hails 'exceptional' Van Persie

Van Persie has enjoyed the form of his life in the past 14 months © Getty Images

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• Profile: Robin van Persie

Robin van Persie's intelligence and first touch are what put him among the world's best strikers, according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Since being handed the No. 10 shirt previously worn by fellow Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp at the start of the 2010 season, Van Persie has entered the form of his life for the Gunners, scoring a Premier League-record 35 goals in 2011 on his return from injury.

And his predatory instincts in front of goal show no signs of waning in 2012, with the Arsenal captain scoring his 29th goal of the season in the 5-2 derby win against Spurs at the Emirates on Sunday.

While many strikers possess blistering pace, overwhelming power or the ability to mesmerise defenders with a repertoire of tricks, Wenger believes it is Van Persie's control and anticipation that keeps him a cut above the rest.

"I think he has an exceptional technique, I mean really exceptional," Wenger told supporters at a hospitality event at the Emirates. "I have seen many great players over 30 years but Robin van Persie's first touch is just exceptional.

"After that he has the qualities of left-footed players; they are very quick to finish, have great movement in the box and are very intelligent.

"When you look at great players, they are on the move and everybody else stands and watches the ball. That is the difference. They look like they attack the ball all the time but in fact it is because they anticipate a lot and they are a little bit ahead of the other players.

"It is a bit like rebounds in basketball, it is always the same players who catch the ball. In football you always have the same players like that - Robert Pires, for example, was fantastic like that. When you analysed him he was always moving when others were standing and Robin has that quality too.

"It's not the way you finish, it's the way you move that gets you into the position."

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