Van Basten thanks Gunners

Marco van Basten says Arsene Wenger has transformed Robin van Persie's career.

The former Feyenoord man finished the season in blistering form for The Gunners as he kept Dutch legend Dennis Bergkamp out of the starting line-up for a period, and was included in the Oranje squad to face Romania and Finland as a result.

The call-up represented a change in fortunes for the 21-year-old after he developed a reputation for being something of a bad boy during his time at De Kuip, although he has since flourished under Wenger's astute guidance.

Since his move last summer the controversial side of his personality has not reared its head too frequently in London, except perhaps for a rash sending off against Southampton in February.

Van Persie last made the Dutch squad for a friendly against Sweden last August, although the Oranje coach is now toying with the chance of starting the youngster after he showed impressive application in training.

Former Ajax and Milan star van Basten enthused over the forward's abilities, insisting that the move to Highbury was the catalyst for throwing aside the more negative aspects of his attitude.

"Robin has been brilliant and amazing in training and the guy is completely changed from how he was before," said Van Basten.

"You can see the difference from how he was last year and he has benefited from being at Arsenal.

"He has learnt a lot under Arsene Wenger and playing with exceptional players.

"He had a bad reputation in Holland with Feyenoord because his attitude was too casual but he is now showing he has exceptional qualities and is going to be a great player.

"He realised at Arsenal that if he is not a professional and toes the line, he will be on he sidelines and it will be the end of his career, he has picked up the message."