Van Persie sets the tone in first week of training

Saturday 15 May 2010

Holland have concluded a first week of training on their way to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and it was Robin van Persie who set the tone. The Arsenal forward pleaded that Holland's four top strikers should all play - a point of discussion that will return regularly.

Van Persie said he wants to be the center forward, with Sneijder behind him, Van der Vaart on the left wing and Robben on the right. "When we play together we can go a long way. We'll be hard to stop."

There is no discussion about the qualities of these four players. Van Persie has been a world class player for a while now. Robben led his team to the final of the Champions League, as did Wesley Sneijder. Van der Vaart reclaimed his place at Ream Madrid after he had been out for a long time.

But wouldn't Holland be playing far too offensive with all four in the team? It's a question that coach Bert van Marwijk must answer. They didn't play together too often, as there would often be one of them injured. Besides, since Van Marwijk took over two years ago, he always opted for a bit more defensive security than his predecessor.

Just like Van der Vaart did earlier this month, Van Persie named Van Basten as one of the founders of the current team. With Van Basten at the helm Holland often played without holding back. The result were magnificent games against Italy and France, but also to elimination in the first game after the group stages.

But Van Persie is convinced: "Robben can run at an opponent and he can shoot. Sneijder is daring and speeds up the game. Van der Vaart is just a great player and he is still relatively young but already very experienced. Van Persie? That is up to you."

Van Marwijk said he didn't mind Van Persie saying what he said. "He reacted to questions he was asked. But there's only one person who decides, and that is me. We have to do it together"

A little less than a month before the tournament the discussions can start and all in the Netherlands will take part. Except maybe for the fifth striker, Dirk Kuyt. He will let his feet do all the talking.