Manchester City: Why we don't want Robin Van Persie
Arsenal's free-scoring Dutchman Robin Van Persie may have the media and until recently the Gunners eating out of his hand, but there is no reason why Manchester City need to follow suit. Our money can be put to better use.
Here are a few reasons why:
1. We have all the strike power we need
With Dzeko and Tevez tipped to stay, a stunning debut season from Aguero culminating in "that goal" (and lets hope he doesn't chuck a Torres) and not forgetting the temperamental brilliance of Balotelli, Manchester City already have the strike power needed to take on the Champions League. Even if Santa Cruz and Adebayor leave, as tipped to Real Betis and Tottenham respectively, the money could be better spent elsewhere. In fact if the pair don't find a way out due to their ridiculous wages Mancini will reach an odd level of "spoilt for pleasure" that is closer to hell than it is to heaven.
2. Even if we needed a striker, he's not the man
Yes, Robin Van Persie is brilliant. There is no doubting that. But just because he is brilliant as Arsenal's out-and-out target man does not mean he will be brilliant as part of a strike pairing with Aguero/Tevez/Balotelli/Dzeko or on his own playing intricate passing games with the likes of David Silva and Yaya Toure. This is why I suspect RVP is not as good for Holland as he is for Arsenal.
City's winning formula combined a lot of midfield brilliance, wing runs from the backs with crosses in and barn storming runs from deep in midfield. An ideal City striker needs to be versatile, able to win headers, beat players from midfield and on occasion score from distance or to create chances for other players, as if they were an attacking midfielder. This is the fluidity with which I see City taking on the Champions League and I'm not so convinced RVP is the man for that. My suggestion? His dutch compatriot Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
3. Imagine what £20 million could buy us
Where I think City need strengthening is in defensive midfield. Even with the brilliant Yaya Toure on one flank, both Barry and De Jong, whilst possessing great defensive rigour, do not possess the same deep lying playermaker style threat that the Ivorian does. With Yaya taking temporary leave in the form of the African Cup of Nations, there is even more reason to get in another player like him with that saved £20 million.
Even better, now would be the time to invest in more of a Carrick-esque passer in midfield to fill the position. My suggestions? Roma's combative Italian Daniele De Rossi or Everton's afro-clad Marouane Fellaini.
Even though the Van Persie/City connection keeps getting stronger every day - I say we don't need him.
Article by Venz De Zoysa
Calling all City fans: Do you agree with Venz? Do you believe RVP would be ineefective in a City shirt or do you think his big game experience can make City even stronger? Whatever your views, we'd love to hear from you.
