Robin van Persie vs Robert Lewandowski - The Statistics

Most people consider attacking players the most vital part of a team, so I have decided to compare two of the best in European football right now, Manchester United's Robin van Persie and Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski.

Both strikers had remarkable seasons last time out, van Persie grabbing 26 Premier League goals and Lewandowski 24 in the Bundesliga, although the former scored an additional four goals in other competitions and the latter 12.

But despite both being incredible outlets in front of goal, they're very different players.

While van Persie likes to drop deep, and even into wider positions to try and create space for himself, Lewandowski is very much a fox-in-the-box type player. All 24 goals the Poland international scored in the topflight last term were inside the 20-yard perimeter, while three of van Persie's came from long range.

Lewandowski finished last season with a shot accuracy of 67%, which is quite remarkable considering he had 82 pops at goal, while RVP hit the target with 59% of his 118 - again, a very impressive figure.

Van Persie created the most chances - 71 to 33 - and offered much more outside the attacking areas. He made an average of two defensive actions per game to Lewandowski's one, completed 80% of his passes compared to Lewandowski's 72%, and won 57% of his duels, compared to the Dortmund goal-gobbler's 47%.

Both players have already scored two this season, van Persie in one appearance and Lewandowski in three, and will no doubt be setting the European stage alight again this time round.

It's worth noting, however, that Lewandowski is still only 25, whereas the former Arsenal hit-man is 30.

Which would you prefer in your side?

All statistics provided by Squawka.