TheFA.com

Learning from each other

  • Tuesday, 11 December, 2012
  • Robin Van Persie and Danny Welbeck celebrate a goal for Manchester United.

Van Persie pays tribute to England Player Of The Year candidate Danny Welbeck

Robin van Persie says he still looks for inspiration from Manchester United's younger players, including England striker Daniel Welbeck.

The Dutchman has been in sparkling form for the Reds this season since his summer switch from Arsenal, scoring 14 goals so far.

And van Persie believes that not only can United's younger players learn from him, but he can pick things up from them.

"It goes both ways - I can learn from them as well," Van Persie told MUTV.

"Danny's not playing in his favourite position at the moment but we need him and he's working hard."

The 29-year-old, who has been amongst the Premier League's top players for eight years and has played in a World Cup Final, also highlighted the contribution of Mexican striker Javier Hernandez.

He added: "I love Chicharito's (Hernandez's) enthusiasm, I love how he plays and trains and does his work off the pitch after training.

"A couple of weeks ago he wasn't playing as much but he was in the gym every day doing extra work, and that sets a big example for everyone.

"When you have four strikers being so professional, it sets the tone for the others.

"Everyone realises we are all in it together and we all need to do our bit."

Welbeck is in the hunt this year and it's up to you which star will claim the 2012 England Player of the Year award at the inaugural FA England Awards in association with Vauxhall at St. George's Park on Sunday 3 February 2013.

To make your choice count select your chosen player in each category in the polls below and click ‘VOTE’.
The voting period will close at midnight on Sunday 13 January 2013.


What Do You Think?

  • Gordon Bennett, I wish Van Persie was English. Even Hernandez. At Manchester United, the striker pecking order is Robin Van Persie, Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck (my opinion). England can play Wayne Rooney, he's good, but use him to the best of his abilities. He's not an out and out striker. Play him in the role behind the striker, or even in the central-midfielder. If Roy Hodgson had any gut, he'd stick Jermain Defoe up front, Walcott on one wing, the Ox on the left, Cleverley behind the striker, Rooney and Wilshere in the centre of the park. Walcott is young, the Ox is young, Cleverley is young, Wilshere is young, Rooney is a beautiful footballer. They can be taught. Don't play a straight formation. Allow the midfield 5 to roam, be interchanging, like Spain. Don't copy Spain, use their ideas and adapt them to the English ability. By anonymous (5 months ago)