When Van Persie signed for Arsenal in 2004 he trained with the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry. As time shipped these legends to other corners of the globe, Van Persie became a central figure, commanding respect from all directions.
The edges in his personality may not make him an ideal candidate for captaincy and indeed a senseless moment against Stoke City where he elbowed the keeper to the ground disgusted many sports writers. However, I would argue eccentricity (a more generous word than petulance) has been a facet of many great captains and could not serve by itself as a valid counterargument.
Some would also ask whether Van Persie could raise morale when the going gets tough? The answer to this is unknown, his work ethic when Arsenal are winning or losing is high and at times the Holland international appears as a brotherly figure. Most notably, he was quick to console Keiran Gibbs when he made the mistake that effectively ended Arsenal’s Champions League hopes.
A prerequisite for captaincy should be your ability to play at a high level on a regular basis, after all there is no point in a captain if his performances are substandard! 20 goals and 15 assists in all competitions last season makes Van Persie every bit world class. His best years are still in front of him and his sharpness in front of goal will improve.
Presentation off the field is also particularly important, especially since a footballers life is relentlessly under scrutiny. Van Persie speaks well, providing insight in his interviews, rarely throwing back generic answers to questions. When watching one feels the need to listen and take the former Feyenoord player seriously.
Above all, commitment plays the deciding factor for me. There wasn’t a sniff of speculation that Tony Adams would leave Arsenal in his prime or that Roy Keane was trading the soil of Manchester for another European club. Van Persie has signed a new long term deal and has shown his support for Arsene Wenger.
Whilst many Arsenal players are failing to give straight answers to questions about their futures, Van Persie has recently said (genuinely) “My heart is with Arsenal and I just can’t picture myself in a different shirt”. A sharp contrast to the mixed bag you get from current club captain Cesc Fabregas.
A very good article. I like the part about him being the first to console Gibbs after that unfortunate slip and that in itself is captain-worthy. Maybe he will be made vice-captain.
Hi,
Thanks for dropping a comment in my blog.
It is an interesting idea indeed with this article of yours. However, I would like to concur with Son of a Gunner here, to make Van Persie as vice-captain.
Yes, he has some ups and downs, and some moments where he was criticized for his action. Perhaps, by giving him the role, can develop him to be a better player.
Same goes when Becks was given the armband. His moments in World Cup was highlighted and could never been forgotten. However, he started having positive changes when given leading responsibiity.
And as gunners fan, one should never forget how Viera was before he made the captaincy.
Anyway, good write up, and the idea worth to be considered by Gunners and Gunners fans.
~ OnDaStreet
why have an injury prone player 2 lead when he doesnt play that many games??
This is actually a good point.
Although VP would not be rested in CL and key EPL games.
Good idea but i cant see it happening yet coz VanP is always kinda on the edge any bad challenge and he will be seeking retribution and i see alot of yellows and reds too but also i dont see him inishing loads of games ie playing 90minutes,i really doubt hs stamina for that and to have to take ur captain off almost evry other game is jus not a good look although Liverpool do it most times
Guess wat um saying is i see him as a Vice Cap for now who knows when Cesc goes next season then we can upgrade him
He is one player in our team who plays with a lot of passion (at least it does not show up on others in the team). Passion for the club is very important to be captain. I think he has the most among current Arsenal players.
he was captain today against weakchester ufcukingnited today. that injury time-gallas offside call was rubbish. anyways when fabregas leaves next season (and they say that a pre-agreement with fcb is NOT in place, which imo is complete crap) then RVP will be handed the armband. he should also be handed the armband for the WC2010