Arsenal striker Robin van Persie wins Football Writers' Award

Robin van Persie celebrates after scoring a stunner against Everton in December (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has been named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

The gong comes just two days after the Dutchman was named the PFA Player of the Year.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable season, scoring 34 goals in all competitions, and hauling Arsenal into the top four of the Premier League despite a disastrous start to the season.

The Arsenal captain has scored some incredible goals along the way, with particularly memorable volleys against Liverpool and Everton. He becomes the first Dutchman to win the award since Dennis Bergkamp in 1998.

Van Persie won by a landslide ahead of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. In third was Paul Scholes, who since coming out of retirement in January has helped United overhaul Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

In fourth was Fulham's Clint Dempsey. It was felt by many that the United States international, who has netted 16 league goals for the Cottagers this term, had been unfortunate not to have been nominated in either the PFA Player of the Year shortlist or the PFA Team of the Year.

FWA chairman Steve Bates said today: "Robin was the overwhelming choice of our members this season and deservedly so after a magnificent campaign for Arsenal. The quality of his goals, attacking movement and consistency in a turbulent season for The Gunners has been eye-catching.

"The considerable size of his majority in the votes cast by our members reflected the general view that he has been the season's most outstanding individual performer."

The Footballer of the Year award dates back to 1948, when it was won by Stanley Matthews.