Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes earning the Arsenal captaincy has spurred Robin van Persie on to even greater heights this season.

The Dutch striker has won both the PFA Player of the Year and the FWA Footballer of the Year awards over the past week following a superb campaign - his first with the armband.

Wenger told arsenal.com: "He took his role seriously on and off the pitch and I think it added something to his determination as well.

"That is why maybe his commitment was even stronger - because he feels more responsibility. He grew into this role."