Robin van Persie may have been the hotshot in the English Premier League throughout 2011 and is top scorer so far this season but Milan centre-back Thiago Silva is more worried about veteran Thierry Henry.
The Brazilian will be tasked with trying to keep Arsenal’s vivacious forwards at bay during the Champions League second round, first leg at the San Siro tonight.
Van Persie scored 35 Premier League goals in 2011, beating the 34-mark set by Henry during his first Arsenal spell in 2004 and finishing just one shy of Alan Shearer’s all-time figure of 36 in 1995.
But it is Henry, used almost exclusively as a substitute in this his second spell at the club, who concerns Silva most.
Henry, 34, has scored three goals in the last six weeks, including two winners, lastly on Saturday at Sunderland.
“He’s a player who’s had a great history not just with Arsenal,” said Silva.
“We must be careful because in every game where he comes on he does well. If you give him a little space he will certainly score, he has incomparable quality.”
It’s not just about Henry or Van Persie, though, as Silva acknowledges Arsenal are more than a one-man band, as many in the British press like to claim.
And Milan are adamant that they must keep things tight in the home leg so as not to let the north Londoners leave with an away goal.
“Against Arsenal we must make as few mistakes as possible. It’s played over 180 minutes but if we mess up at home, we’re out,” said Silva.
Poor Rossoneri record
Milan’s recent record against English opposition, particularly at home, is abysmal.
They have not won in their last seven matches against the English, including losing three home games in a row.
The last three years they have been knocked out at this stage of the Champions League by Premier League teams, starting with Arsenal three years ago, followed by Manchester United and then Tottenham Hotspur last season.
“The most important thing is to improve on what we did last year but psychology doesn’t come into it,” said Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri when asked whether his side had a mental block when it comes to playing the English.
“It’s an important game that will be played over 180 minutes and we must play attentively and not make mistakes.
“Arsenal are playing well, they’re coming back well and they’re very dangerous.
“Last year we played well against Tottenham, we made a huge mistake in the second half (of the first leg) but in the second leg we deserved to win and progress.”