Posts
He scores goals, he creates them, he is exciting to watch and is among the game's most decorated players – yet still we do not celebrate Arjen Robben as one of Europe's greatest.
Perhaps it's the diving, his appetite for deception leaving a sour taste. Perhaps it's his self-assured nature, a confidence which borders on arrogance. Perhaps it's because he is so successful, winning major titles in four European countries and a Champions League.
But it's about time we recognised Robben for the terrorising talent that he is – just ask Manchester United.
VIDEO: Scroll down to watch the fall and falls of Arjen Robben
Main man: Arjen Robben was among the scorers as Bayern Munich knocked Manchester United out of Europe
Not much to him: Robben may be slight but he has been a constant thorn in the side of Europe's top teams
Robben at a glance
Age: 30
Position: Forward
Club career
2000–2002 Groningen 28 app/10 goals
2002–2004 PSV 70/22
2004–2007 Chelsea 105/19
2007–2009 Real Madrid 65/13
2009– Bayern Munich 157/87
Robben has directly contributed to eight of Bayern’s 21 goals in the Champions League this season with four goals and four assists
International career
Holland 73 apps/22 goals
Position: Forward
Club career
2000–2002 Groningen 28 app/10 goals
2002–2004 PSV 70/22
2004–2007 Chelsea 105/19
2007–2009 Real Madrid 65/13
2009– Bayern Munich 157/87
Robben has directly contributed to eight of Bayern’s 21 goals in the Champions League this season with four goals and four assists
International career
Holland 73 apps/22 goals
Thanks to Robben, the Bavarians are through to the last four, on course to become the first team in history to defend the Champions League.
His killer contributions against United were separated by just eight minutes. First, with the contest at 1-1, he stole a yard to serve up a teasing delivery which was poked home by team-mate Thomas Muller.
Still, though, the visitors needed just one goal to progress. Enter Arjen. Gliding into the penalty area in trademark fashion, United knew what was coming as he fashioned an opening for his lethal left.
But despite knowledge of such intent they were powerless to prevent Robben taking aim for the bottom corner and finding it, albeit via a deflection off Nemanja Vidic. Game over.
reputation taking a dive: Robben has been much criticised for his antics, including his tendency to go to ground
Come on: Robben won a contentious penalty against Arsenal in the Champions League this season
Debate: Robben and Wayne Rooney have a disagreement during the second leg at the Allianz Arena
It was his first European crown, some 13 years after making his debut as a 16-year-old for FC Groningen in the Eredivisie. It is a career which has taken in PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid and, for the past five years, Bayern.
Arguably, though, he has never been more dangerous, shown by his return of more than one goal every two games last season.
Indeed, his career stats are better than one in three, 152 from 423 matches. Then there are his assists, 14 this season already surpassing last year's total of 12.
Back in the day: Robben won the Community Shield, Premier League and League Cup with Chelsea
Crowning glory: Robben celebrates winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich last season
Pulling the trigger: Robben scored the winning goal against Borussia Dortmund to clinch the trophy
With the benefit of age – he turned 30 this year – has Robben matured into a player capable of marrying his goals and guile like never before?
He is already a World Cup runner-up but the likelihood is he won't be talked of as one of the stars-in-waiting ahead of this summer's contest. Rather, it will be the likes of Wayne Rooney – who he outclassed on Wednesday – who will be the subject of such eulogy.
By that point Robben could be heading to Brazil with another Champions League winner's medal to add to his already glistening collection of silverware.
With the flying Dutchman in this form you might just fancy Holland to go one better than they did in South Africa four years ago.
Easy does it: Robben helped Bayern romp to the Bundesliga title this season
Laden: Robben won La Liga with Real Madrid (left) and shot to prominence as a youngster with PSV (right)
No comments:
Post a Comment