Dutch consider central role for Van Persie

Robin van Persie could be deployed as a central striker for the Netherlands in friendlies against Italy and Paraguay later this month, coach Bert van Marwijk said.

Van Persie has played centrally at the tip of the front three for Arsenal this season but performed mainly as an attacking midfielder on the right flank for the Dutch during the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

"We have discussed it extensively among the technical staff but it also is important that the players around him function well," Van Marwijk told a news conference after announcing a 23-men squad for the matches against Italy in Pescara on Nov. 14 and Paraguay in Heerenveen four days later.

"In my opinion he is not an old fashioned centre forward."

Dirk Kuyt was the first choice as central striker during the 2010 qualifiers but at Liverpool he is used predominantly on the right wing, while Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is not a first choice for new club Milan and has yet to score after becoming surplus to requirements at Real Madrid in the close season.

Van Marwijk has retained Huntelaar is his squad but wants the striker to be playing regular first-team football.

Midfielder Mark van Bommel returns to the squad while injured defender Andre Ooijer is not available.