‘Van Persie has to be Player of the Year’

Theo Walcott says that Robin van Persie is making up for lost time after finally enjoying an extended run without injury.

The Dutch striker has endured a number of injuries during his career but he has been fit for more than a year now and has emerged as one of the world’s finest strikers.

Walcott is delighted to see his captain in such magnificent form and believes the 28-year-old should be crowned as the PFA Player of the Year.

“Everything is going his way and that is great to see,” he said. “The most important thing is that he is injury free and it is great to see him when he is not injured at all.

“When I was on the treatment bed alongside him it was such a shame to see so much talent wasted. He has made up for lost time, I am sure of that, and it is massive. Without a doubt he has to be player of the year.

“He is a great man, a great captain and is very important to this Club. You just give him anything and he will just put it away - left foot, right foot, and he has scored a couple of headers as well.

“He makes it look easy and it is not. I think Wayne Rooney is 10 goals or so behind him and he has had a fantastic season as well. It just shows you how good this man is.”