LONDON: Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was named the English Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player-of-the-year on Sunday after scoring 27 league goals to revive his club's season.

The Dutch international, 28, tops the Premier League scoring charts and Arsenal's third spot with three matches to go after a poor start to the campaign is in large part down to his stunning contribution.

"If other people are saying it, it is special, but it is even more special if your opponents are saying it," the skilful Van Persie told a gala in London.

"If they make up their minds that I'm the best player it is a big honour."

Without their captain, Arsenal could be languishing in mid-table and fans will shudder at the thought of who would score their goals if injury struck or he was tempted away in the search of trophies. The London side have won just the 2005 FA Cup since he joined from Feyenoord in 2004.