Top 5 Dutch players to have played in Premier League history

3. Robin van Persie - Arsenal and Manchester United

One of the greatest strikers of his generation, Robin van Persie is also the Netherlands national team's highest goalscorer. Signed by Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004 for a bargain £2.75 million, van Persie spent 8 wonderful seasons in North London, scoring 132 goals in all competitions for the Gunners.

Renowned for his ball control, attacking sense, positioning, finishing, and aerial abilites, van Persie was the ultimate all-round forward. He only won one major title at Arsenal (the 2005 FA Cup), which led to one of the most controversial Premier League transfers ever.

After scoring a brilliant 30 league goals in his final season at the Emirates, van Persie moved to Manchester United in the summer of 2012 for £22.5 million in search of a league title. He was 29 at the time, and his transfer fee raised a few eyebrows.

But the "Flying Dutchman" went on to erase any doubts over his talents, scoring 26 goals to help United reclaim the title from Manchester City. He sealed the league in typical van Persie fashion with an outrageous hattrick against Aston Villa.

He eventually moved on to Fenerbahce before returning to Feyenoord and announcing his retirement earlier this year.

Edited by Vishal Subramanian