When Arsenal play AC Milan tomorrow night it is the chance the striker has been waiting for to show his success on the biggest stage.
Across Europe there is a very competitive goalscoring race developing.
Three players, Robin van Persie, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo are battling it out to win Europe’s Golden Shoe.
Van Persie is level with Messi on 22 goals, but both trail Ronaldo who is on 27.
But when it comes to the Ballon D’or in December, the award for the World’s best footballer, expect it to be a two-horse race.
Just like how van Persie was snubbed for the FIFPro Team of the Year Award last year, it is likely Messi and Ronaldo will fight it out for the top gong.
That is unless the Dutchman can do something about it.
His problem is not in his ability- he has been phenomenal over the past 12 months and a bit, it is that his profile needs to be higher to win the worldwide vote in these awards.
So tomorrow night’s showpiece Champions League clash in the San Siro against AC Milan is the match he has been waiting for.
He had a nightmare at the Nou Camp last year, not able to get a shot away in the first half, and harshly dismissed in the second.
So he may have better luck against fellow European giants AC Milan, who are a very good side but certainly beatable.
Arsenal should not be intimidated, and remember that Peter Crouch struck a 1-0 winner for rivals Spurs there this time last year.
Van Persie should fancy his chances, and so should Arsenal, this is his time to cement his standing on the biggest stage of all, and stake a claim to be the world’s most complete striker.
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