Monday, 5th November, 2012
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie believes that neither Wayne Rooney nor himself are operating as traditional number 9s or traditional number 10s – instead the Dutchman has insisted they both play as number 9 and a halfs.
Van Persie was on target for his new club again at the weekend, this time against the side he left to land at Old Trafford during the summer, Arsenal, playing his part in a comfortable 2-1 win for the Red Devils.
The 29-year-old’s partnership with Rooney was impressive yet again, allaying any concerns that the duo might struggle to play together.
The pair often switch position, operating with flexibility across the forward line and also dropping back into a traditional number 10 role.
Van Persie recognises the flexibility both he and the England star enjoy and believes that a new kind of number can only describe the positions they take on the pitch.
"I call it a 9 and a half because you have two positions, the nine and the ten, and we are both 9 and a half", he told his club’s official site.
relatedNewsStory"We are just helping each other out. We both play behind and a bit higher up", he continued.
"It seems to be working well and I am very happy with Wayne – hopefully we can keep it going."
And Sir Alex Ferguson backed his new boy’s assessment, declaring him bang on the money.
"I think he’s right", said Ferguson.
"There’s flexibility there and the right type of movement.
"They also both have the courage to play in these positions. Robin’s not far away in that respect."
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