Arsenal: Robin Van Persie
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The obvious choice, sure, but Robin van Persie is so for a reason.
The Dutchman scored half of Arsenal's six goals in the group stage, an unusually low tally for the Gunners. However, it was still enough to see them top Group F, and they were unfortunate enough to be rewarded for that achievement with a second-round tie against AC Milan.
Thierry Henry is likely to play in the first leg—a match which will be his last for the club before returning to New York Red Bulls—and Gervinho will have been sufficiently recovered from his African Cup of Nations exploits to take his place in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Van Persie has already scored 28 goals for Arsenal in all competitions this season. As their lead striker and their captain, his importance against Milan will be twofold.