World Cup 2014: Robin van Persie the man to ensure Louis van Gaal bows out with a bang

 
foot soldier: Van Persie hit 11 goals in World Cup qualifying
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Wayne Gardiner30 May 2014

It has often been said that players get better with age and that is certainly the case with Holland and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie.

Now a 30-year-old, Van Persie is considered the finished article as a player; the complete package. Sir Alex Ferguson knew what he was both doing and getting when he shelled out £24million of Manchester United's money for him in the summer of 2012, even though his Arsenal contract had just 12 months to run.

Irked that the title had gone to Manchester City, Van Persie was the perfect drop-in thoroughbred that Ferguson needed to get it back and he effortlessly got the job done, being identified as the key reason between United and the rest.

There were other factors behind their slump in the season just gone, but Van Persie being injured for parts of the year did not help. He still managed to score 17 goals, though, and returned at the end of the season ensuring he should be fresher than most heading to South America.

When fit, Van Persie offers not just experience but an assurance that chances will not be wasted often - a rare commodity that is reserved only for the elite.

Regardless of how his club form has stacked up, Van Persie has always been a stellar performer on the international stage. He is Holland's leading goalscorer of all-time with 41, 11 of which were racked up in their rampant qualifying campaign.

Part of the reason for his form for the Oranje could well be his relationship with coach Louis van Gaal. The 62-year-old will be Van Persie's boss at club level next season and has a proven track record of working well with the former Feyenoord man.

Van Gaal has coached Van Persie in two separate stints with the national side and is expecting him to make a significant impact at the World Cup - especially after a tough season at club level which saw several rumours surface about his relationship with the now deposed David Moyes.

"I think he should be great in the tournament because he loves to play in the Dutch squad," said Van Gaal earlier this year, as his side prepare for clashes with Australia, Chile and Spain. They are considered the second favourites to top the group.

In comments made when Moyes was in charge, Van Gaal added: "The football from Man United now is maybe difficult for him, but he wishes to show his techniques. Techniques in for Dutch team for him are higher.

"He has shown that in the qualification matches more than ever because he is our top scorer and I hope he can continue this."

Holland find themselves in a tough group. Australia have been written off by many, but reigning champions Spain and the quietly impressive Chile - well regarded by those who follow the game outside of Europe - pose formidable roadblocks.

Van Persie may well have another World Cup in him, but Van Gaal is heading back to the club game. If he wants to go out with a bang, his long-standing foot soldier is likely to be the man to make that happen.

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