Netherlands striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar refuses to consider Van Persie as 'rival'

Netherlands striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has said that he refuses to consider his Dutch teammate Robin van Persie as a rival.

A poll had reportedly revealed that Netherlands wanted Huntelaar to start ahead of Van Persie for the national team in the World Cup in Brazil as they prepare for their kick off against defending champions Spain on June 13.

However, Huntelaar seems unperturbed about who would start for the Dutch and said that Van Persie plays the same position as he does but he do not have to dispute with him directly, The Dawn reported.

Huntelaar, who plays as a striker for Schalke 04, said that their team can also play with two strikers and does not necessarily need to rely on one forward, adding that their boss Louis van Gaal can bank on different strategies and he refuses to consider Van Persie as a rival.

The striker further added that being part of the Dutch national team is about unity and not about rivalry.

Huntelaar also said that they all pursue the same goal and want to make it as far as possible in the World Cup.