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van Persie not being misused as a striker says Arsenal's Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has denied claims by club legend Dennis Bergkamp that captain Robin van Persie is being misused.

The Dutch great said earlier this week that his fellow countryman should not be deployed as a striker as he is more creative than an out-and-out goalscorer but Wenger does not agree with Bergkamp, saying van Persie's stats prove he is being used in his correct position.

"Robin's best position is on the football pitch," Wenger told reporters.

"On the right, on the left, up front, behind the striker, he can play everywhere. It's as simple as that.

"He is most suited to the team and adapted [and] adjusted to the quality of the other players. In this position he has scored 26 goals in 32 games so you cannot say he is in a bad position because the numbers go against you.

"But you have to be open-minded. He can play as well behind the striker, on the right and on the left.

"When I bought him he played on the left wing. At Feyenoord he has been educated like that. I put him central, because he is a quality player."

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Andrew Slevison
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