Topics: Robin Van Persie, Arsenal, Premier League, Manchester United
Robin van Persie has named Erling Haaland, Mo Salah and two other modern-day strikers as being "better finishers" than he was in his prime.
The 41-year-old, who was recently named the head coach of Eredivisie side Feyenoord, is widely regarded as one of the most complete strikers in Premier League history.
After a prolific eight-year spell at Arsenal that featured 132 goals in 278 games, Van Persie joined Manchester United and showcased his prowess in front of goal by scoring 30 times in a memorable debut campaign.
Many have praised Van Persie's talents in the past, including former Gunners teammate Theo Walcott.
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"My greatest teammate would have to be Van Persie," he said in 2021. "For me, he was the best finisher I’ve ever seen, he was better than Thierry Henry, he made it look so easy. If you gave it to him, he would score for you."
Walcott added: "He was a dream to play with, I don’t think there will be a player like him ever again."
So how does Van Persie rate his finishing ability? Speaking to ESPN, the former Fenerbahce striker was asked to choose between himself or another current striker when it comes to being a better finisher.
As you can see in the footage below, Van Persie says he was a better finisher than Ollie Watkins, Dominic Solanke, Nicolas Jackson, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Viktor Gyokeres, Antone Griezmann and Lautaro Martinez.
But to the surprise of many, the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker played down being a better finisher than Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to Van Persie's answers.
One said: "Robin is a better finisher than both Haaland and Salah ngl but they’re all outstanding I watched him a lot," while another commented: "Pure honesty but man I could disagree with the Haaland one."
A third wrote: "Very honest from him. But he was a better finisher than both Salah and Halaand. Unless he’s talking a Robin of Fenerbache."
A fourth said: "I actually think he is probably a better finisher than everyone on this list based on finishing ability and technique, not numbers," and a fifth added: "Ain’t nobody on that list better finisher than RVP sorry."
Thoughts on the clip? Let us know in the comments
