Arsenal News: Theo Walcott – Robin van Persie could Become Player of the Year

North London side Arsenal's winger Theo Walcott believes that Gunners captain and front-man Robin van Persie is making up for time lost through injuries and is finally enjoying an amazing and extended run without any injuries.

The Englishman is delighted to see his Dutch team-mate in such great form and even thinks the captain should be crowned as the PFA Player of the year.

Van Persie had initially gone through a number of injuries at the start of his career but has remained fit for more than a year now and has, in time, emerged as of the finest finishers on the planet at the moment.

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

Walcott also added that van Persie was a great man, a great captain and very important to the club and that he had the ability to put away anything thrown at him, regardless of whether it appears on his left or right foot.

Elsewhere, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger thinks Walcott’s recent performance against Newcastle United was the Englishman’s best ever. Walcott was later named as the fans’ Man of the Match by the club and Wenger believes the 22-year-old deserves a lot of credit for his display.

“Theo Walcott was outstanding. From the first to last minute he was great. I feel it was his best performance for us. Against Milan, Theo was hitting top form and he has continued it tonight. He played with intelligence and power,” Wenger told Arsenal.com, “Newcastle gave the impression of a strong team and to come back quickly was important. The equalizer was provided by Walcott. We speak many times of many other players and he deserves great credit this time because he was exceptional.”

However, the youngster himself is focusing on the job at hand and closing down the gap with local rivals Tottenham for third position in the Premier League, which is essential for next season’s UEFA Champions League spot.

Walcott knows that Arsenal are breathing down Tottenham’s neck and is sure that their derby rivals are feeling the pressure.

“I am sure they are slightly worried. They have some top-class players as well and no game is easy in the Premier League. We will find it tough going away to Everton, so we will see what happens, Walcott said, “We won't get too carried away with this result [against Newcastle], we just want to push on and keep getting the three points. Then we will see where it takes us.”

Walcott is well aware of the importance of a third place finish in this season’s Premier League