Saturday, 16th November, 2013
Robin van Persie admits he can see something of himself in Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj, but believes the winger should not be labelled the "new Van Persie".
Januzaj has broken through into first team reckoning in style this season, announcing himself to the world with a brace against Sunderland in the Premier League, a feat which dragged Manchester United to a 2-1 win in a match they looked unlikely to triumph in.
The reigning Premier League champions were quick to award the Belgian-born talent a new five-year contract, warding off an army of suitors who smelt a bargain at the end of the season, when Januzaj's previous deal had been due to expire.
Van Persie, for one, is extremely impressed with what he has seen from the 18-year-old and the prolific Dutchman cannot help but spot some similarities between himself at the same age.
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"When I go back 10 years to when I was quite young, I see similar attributes", Van Persie explained to his club's official site.
"He’s confident in a good way. He’s not too bothered with the whole occasion or the pressure of the games.
"I was very confident as well and I see some stuff in him and the choices he makes that I made when I was younger as well.
"But he’s not the new Van Persie, he’s the new Adnan. He’s a great player and I’m a great fan of his.
"I thought earlier in pre-season that he has something special. He will give Manchester United a great bunch of goals and great games.
"He’s a special player."
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