"The intelligence of his movement around the box and the accuracy of his finishing is exceptional," commented Wenger after his skipper hit a sensational hat-trick in a 5-3 win at Chelsea in October, 2011. "He is on fire."

Van Persie scored in both matches against United, albeit in defeat on each occasion, and confirmed his status as a world-class striker with a string of outstanding displays and matchwinning contributions. A set-piece specialist who possesses a fearsome shot, he also shows an unselfish streak by providing a number of assists for his team-mates.

In terms of international football, he

scored in Holland's defeat to Germany during a disappointing overall Euro 2012 campaign for the Netherlands and starred at the 2006 and 2010 World Cup finals and also at Euro 2008.

Fellow countryman Dennis Bergkamp, who was also idolised at Arsenal, paid his special tribute to an outstanding talent. "He can make the difference time after time and, in my opinion, that describes a great player," said Bergkamp. "It’s incredible how he has developed himself and players like that deserve trophies. His character and style of play is fantastic."

As well as playing in the 2010 World Cup final, when