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ESPNsoccernet: England | |
Danny Welbeck has paid tribute to Robin van Persie for adding another dimension to the Manchester United attack and says he is trying to learn from the Dutchman.
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Van Persie has scored 13 goals for the Premier League leaders since his £24 million move from Arsenal and Welbeck believes his arrival has inspired Sir Alex Ferguson's other strikers.
The 22-year-old is eager to take some of Van Persie's attributes and use them to improve his own game.
"He's a different type of striker to what we have had at the club before and it has created motivation to have someone of such class coming in and to see the goals he has scored," Welbeck said.
"But it is not just his goalscoring form but the way he has played all around the pitch. He is a world class striker and someone you can look up to. You can look at the qualities he has got and take something into your own game. I will be trying to take a leaf out of his book."
Ferguson agreed that his other attackers are benefiting from the arrival of Van Persie.
"I really think Van Persie is not just contributing to the team but he is improving other players," he said. "He has given us a different perspective of the game. There are different opportunities."
While the United manager remains unhappy about the number of goals his side have conceded, he is delighted they are proving so prolific in attack.
United are the Premier League's top scorers with 37 goals in 15 games and he believes his four forwards - Van Persie, Welbeck, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez - represent the strongest department of his team.
"There are great opportunities for us in attacking positions with Chicharito, Danny, Robin and Wayne," Ferguson said. "That is our strength. It has rescued us all season."
But Van Persie's signing means Welbeck has had to spend more time playing on the wings this season.
The England international has scored more goals for his country - three - than for his club this season, with his solitary United strike this campaign coming in the 4-2 win over Stoke.
And he admitted he would rather be plying his trade in the middle.
"Playing as a striker is my favourite position, but once I get on the pitch playing on either wing or as a striker I am going to try and enjoy my football and put in as good a performance as possible."