Arteta: Van Persie is world's best
The striker's brace helped fire the Gunners into the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old Dutchman netted twice in the second half of the 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund which secured safe passage into the knockout stages with a match to spare, and top spot in Group F.
Holland striker Van Persie has been in sublime form since the turn of the year, breaking the 30-goal barrier for 2011 with a double in the Barclays Premier League win at Norwich City on Saturday.NATURAL TALENT
And Arteta is in no doubt that his team-mate is right up there with the likes of Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
"We all know how good he is. Robin keeps performing, making the difference and scoring goals." the Arsenal midfielder said.
"At the moment he is level with any striker in the world, his numbers are unbelievable in the past eight or nine months.
"For me, it is just such a natural talent. Sometimes he looks as if he does not try, but beats players and scores an unbelievable goal.
"Robin is on fire, he is making the difference. Hopefully he can continue to do that and people can talk about him all the time, because that means we are winning."
Mikel Arteta says Van Persie is one of the best strikers in the world
"Robin keeps performing, making the differenceand scoring goals"
- Mikel Arteta