Walcott hails goal-hero Van Persie

Theo Walcott is convinced that Robin van Persie is the best striker in the Barclays Premier League.

Despite playing almost every game this season, Van Persie has remained injury-free this term - a scenario he could have only wished for in previous years. The Dutchman missed the final two months of last season - a period that coincided with the club's implosion - and he spent five months of the previous campaign sidelined with an ankle problem.

But the 28-year-old's injury woes now appear to be behind him as he has struck 33 goals in 38 games this season, and Walcott said: "When I was on the treatment bed alongside him in previous years it was such a shame to see so much talent wasted. He has made up for lost time, I am sure of that."

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