Van Persie: Germany youth set-up has caught up to Dutch

Netherlands and Manchester United forward Robin van Persie believes that Germany has caught up with his national team in terms of its youth development.

 The former Feyenoord and Arsenal attacker believes Joachim Low's side has seen its infrastructure and training boosted since the 2006 World Cup but insists there is still an opportunity for the Oranje to surpass their European neighbors in terms of producing quality youngsters.

 "It begins, of course, in the development of the youth," van Persie told onsoranje.nl. "In Netherlands we are good at appointing good coaches and training. But a country like Germany has caught up.

"They have the financial gains of the 2006 World Cup. I believe almost a billion Euros has been invested in youth. In coaches, accommodation, everything. I can see [a great] young generation of top players [in Germany].

 "In Netherlands we can take such a step. There are many good players to come."

Germany has produced a generation of stars including Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Sami Khedira, but van Persie is convinced there are exciting prospects for his country too.

Van Persie faced off against Swansea City's Jonathan de Guzman, a Dutch compatriot earlier in the Premier League season and was impressed with what he saw.

"De Guzman is doing very well in the English league. He has a good skill-set, and his free kicks and corners are great," van Persie said.