Wenger: Van Persie will deliver

ARSENE WENGER feels the transformation of Robin van Persie from talented winger to Arsenal’s main goal threat is close to completion.

The former Feyenoord player — who turned 24 today — has produced some eye-catching displays during pre-season to mark his return from five months out with a broken metatarsal.

Van Persie struck a late winner to beat hosts Ajax on Saturday and secure the Gunners a second trophy within a week at the Amsterdam Tournament.

With Thierry Henry sold to Barcelona during the summer, and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor set to miss the opening match of the new domestic campaign against Fulham on Sunday because of a groin problem, most of the attacking responsibility looks set to fall on van Persie.

However, the arrival of the impressive Brazilian-born Croatian striker Eduardo da Silva is certain to lift some of the pressure on the Dutchman.

Wenger is more than happy with the progress of van Persie, who arrived at Highbury in May 2004.

“Robin has been transformed in a very good way since he arrived,” reflected the Arsenal manager.

“He has become a great passer of the ball as well as a talented player. He is always worried about individual skills but he has improved and, for me, become a complete team player.”

Wenger, though, has impressed on van Persie not to become overly concerned with any burden to score.

“Robin’s responsibilities have got higher now Thierry has left, now it is more on Robin’s shoulders.”