Position: Forward
Born: 06.08.83
Club: Arsenal

Robin van Persie has already taken giant strides in his quest to become the long-term replacement for Dennis Bergkamp at both club and international level.

With a cultured left foot, the Arsenal man is a versatile performer who can play on the wing or in his preferred position as a striker.

Van Persie has made an immediate impact on the international scene after making his international debut in a World Cup qualifier against Romania last June and registered his first goal against Finland four days later.

His career at Arsenal began last season after he moved from Feyenoord in May 2004 for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £3 million.

The Dutch striker's first season was impressive, scoring ten times in all competitions including a brace against Blackburn in the FA Cup semi-final before converting a penalty in the shoot-out win against Manchester United at the Millenium Stadium.

Despite a disappointing season for Arsenal this time around, van Persie has performed well and is aiming to fire himself into contention for a starting place with his country this summer.