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With 33 goals in 30 games, is Arsenal striker Robin van Persie now on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?
The Dutchman continued his scintillating form in front of goal with a brace against Borussia Dortmund, and has embarked on a similar hot streak to that of the Spanish league stars
24 Nov 2011 12:00:00
Getty Images
POLL
By Jamie Dunn
After yet another virtuoso performance against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night, the praise for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie came gushing in.
"Sometimes he looks as if he doesn’t even try and he is still better than everyone else," said Mikel Arteta of his Gunners team-mate. "Without doubt he is the best striker I have played with."
Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp, too, was equally emphatic in saluting the forward, after his two goals all but dumped the German side out of the Champions League.
"He is certainly one of the best in Europe," Klopp enthused. "What a performance, what a player."
The Arsenal captain's brace in the 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium not only typified his importance to his club, but also continued his sensational run of scoring form.
Which begs the question: has Van Persie reached the same level as La Liga duo Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?
The Dutchman has scored 17 goals in 15 starts in all competitions this season, but that streak stretches further when considering his exploits at the end of the last campaign.
Within the calendar year of 2011 so far, Van Persie has embarked on a run of 33 goals in 30 games, and 38 in 41 overall.
Comparatively, Ronaldo has also found the back of the net 17 times this season in 15 starts for Real Madrid, to add to his impressive haul of 53 goals in 54 games over the course of 2010-11.
Messi, of course, boasts an even more incredible record with Barcelona, having already scored a staggering 21 goals this season in just 16 starts, with a previous tally of 50 from 49 games culminating in a strike at the Champions League final against Manchester United.
Perhaps most impressive though, is Van Persie's record when considering Arsenal do not boast a supporting cast of Xabi Alonso, Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil, or Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Pedro.
The 28-year-old has even continued his good form following his return from injury last season into the new campaign, despite the loss of the departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, and a long-term injury to Jack Wilshere.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is in no doubt Van Persie can match the exploits of Messi and Ronaldo.
"If he keeps going on like that, of course," the Frenchman said after Wednesday night's game. "I feel he’s an exceptional player and [I am] happy that he can show that. He thinks day and night about his game."
But what do you think? Vote in the poll below to and let us know if you agree with Wenger and Arteta and believe the Dutch star has reached the level of Messi and Ronaldo.
By Jamie Dunn
After yet another virtuoso performance against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night, the praise for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie came gushing in.
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"Sometimes he looks as if he doesn’t even try and he is still better than everyone else," said Mikel Arteta of his Gunners team-mate. "Without doubt he is the best striker I have played with."
Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp, too, was equally emphatic in saluting the forward, after his two goals all but dumped the German side out of the Champions League.
"He is certainly one of the best in Europe," Klopp enthused. "What a performance, what a player."
The Arsenal captain's brace in the 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium not only typified his importance to his club, but also continued his sensational run of scoring form.
| HOW VAN PERSIE'S RUN COMPARES |
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| VAN PERSIE'S RECORD IN 2011 |
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| GAMES PLAYED GOALS SCORED AVERAGE GOALS PER GAME |
41 38 0.93 |
| MESSI'S RECORD IN 2011 |
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| GAMES PLAYED GOALS SCORED AVERAGE GOALS PER GAME |
58 53 0.91 |
| RONALDO'S RECORD IN 2011 |
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| GAMES PLAYED GOALS SCORED AVERAGE GOALS PER GAME |
51 50 0.98 |
Which begs the question: has Van Persie reached the same level as La Liga duo Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?
The Dutchman has scored 17 goals in 15 starts in all competitions this season, but that streak stretches further when considering his exploits at the end of the last campaign.
Within the calendar year of 2011 so far, Van Persie has embarked on a run of 33 goals in 30 games, and 38 in 41 overall.
Comparatively, Ronaldo has also found the back of the net 17 times this season in 15 starts for Real Madrid, to add to his impressive haul of 53 goals in 54 games over the course of 2010-11.
Messi, of course, boasts an even more incredible record with Barcelona, having already scored a staggering 21 goals this season in just 16 starts, with a previous tally of 50 from 49 games culminating in a strike at the Champions League final against Manchester United.
Perhaps most impressive though, is Van Persie's record when considering Arsenal do not boast a supporting cast of Xabi Alonso, Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil, or Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Pedro.
The 28-year-old has even continued his good form following his return from injury last season into the new campaign, despite the loss of the departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, and a long-term injury to Jack Wilshere.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is in no doubt Van Persie can match the exploits of Messi and Ronaldo.
"If he keeps going on like that, of course," the Frenchman said after Wednesday night's game. "I feel he’s an exceptional player and [I am] happy that he can show that. He thinks day and night about his game."
But what do you think? Vote in the poll below to and let us know if you agree with Wenger and Arteta and believe the Dutch star has reached the level of Messi and Ronaldo.
Follow Jamie Dunn on 
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Goal.com Poll
Poll runs from 24 Nov 2011 to 25 Nov 2011
Poll runs from 24 Nov 2011 to 25 Nov 2011
Is Robin van Persie as good as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?
Yes
74.9%
No
25.1%
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