Skip to main content

Van Persie considered for central striking role

Van Persie has played centrally at the tip of the front three for Arsenal this season but performed mainly as an attacking midfielder on the right flank for the Dutch during the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

"We have discussed it extensively among the technical staff but it also is important that the players around him function well," Van Marwijk told a news conference after announcing a 23-men squad for the matches against Italy in Pescara on November 14 and Paraguay in Heerenveen four days later.

"In my opinion he is not an old fashioned centre forward."

"I sometimes make exception as you see right now, but towards the World Cup finals the tension will increase, he added.

"I always hope that my players are fit, in form and play at the highest possible level, but if you hardly play for six months the chance that you will be in the World Cup squad will be very small."