Robin van Persie of Arsenal Wins PFA Player of Year Award

As expected, Arsenal striker Robin van Persie took home the Professional Footballers Association's Player of the Year award Sunday night.

The 28-year-old Dutch international beat out Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, Tottenham Hotspur's Scott Parker and Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, Joe Hart and David Silva.

Van Persie, who has scored 27 league goals for Arsenal this season, was also named to the PFA Team of the Year.

"

"If other people are saying it, it is special, but it is even more special if your opponents are saying it, van Persie told Press Association Sport."

"It is very special because you are playing against them week in week out and every single player does everything to win. In the end, if they make up their minds that I am the best player it is a big honour."

"

Arsenal's last PFA winner was Thierry Henry in 2002-03 and 2003-04. Before Henry, Dennis Bergkamp won it in 1997-98 and Liam Brady in 1978-79.

So, Gooners, does this put RvP on the same level as Brady, Bergkamp and Henry?

And for everyone else in the present tense, does RvP deserve consideration among the world's best with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?

Before you answer, here is the PFA Premier League team of the year, via ESPN Soccernet.

"

Joe Hart (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Leighton Baines (Everton), David Silva (Manchester City), Yaya Toure (Manchester City), Gareth Bale (Tottenham), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).

"

Now, let the debate begin.

Follow @MikeCummings37