Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was named the English Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) player of the year on Sunday after scoring 27 league goals to revive his club’s season.
The Dutch international, 28, tops the Premier League scoring charts and Arsenal's third spot with three matches to go after a poor start to the campaign is in large part down to his stunning contribution.
Without captain Van Persie, Arsenal could be languishing in mid-table and fans will shudder at the thought of who would score their goals if injury struck or he was tempted away in the search of trophies.
The London side have won just the 2005 FA Cup since he joined from Feyenoord in 2004.
Van Persie is the third Dutchman to win the award after Dennis Bergkamp (1997-98) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001-02). He was the first Arsenal player to claim it since Thierry Henry in 2004.
Van Persie, far more clinical this season than ever before while still boasting immense flair, is also favorite to win the English Football Writers’ player of the year award later this week.
He took the players’ gong ahead of fellow nominees Wayne Rooney of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur's Scott Parker and Manchester City trio Joe Hart, David Silva and Sergio Aguero.
Tottenham winger Gareth Bale won last season’s award.
Spurs full back Kyle Walker was named young player of the year after shining at right back for his club and forcing himself into contention for England’s Euro 2012 squad.
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