For Robben, such remarks have become almost run-of-the-mill. Hype and expectation have, after all, been constant companions throughout the little winger’s career, with the 22-year-old merely left to justify his billing as one of world football’s most exciting emerging talents. Germany 2006 will be Robben’s first FIFA World Cup™, and many consider him the ace in the Netherlands’ pack. In the three-pronged attack preferred by Marco van Basten, he and Ruud van Nistelrooy are adjudged certainties to take up the left and central roles respectively, leaving the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Robin van Persie and Roy Makaay to jostle for the remaining slot.
Robben, born in Bedum on 23 January 1984, was not around to see those halcyon days of ‘Total football’ and was little more than a toddler when his current international manager spearheaded a memorable Dutch triumph at the 1988 European Championship. However, since beginning his career with FC Groningen in November of 2000 and winning the club’s Player of the Year award while still just 17, the winger has set about making history all of his own.
arjen robbenBy the start of May this year, Robben had 18 senior caps and six international goals to his name, and the high point of his career with the Oranje to date came in Portugal two years ago, when he produced a series of scintillating performances in the Netherlands’ ultimately ill-fated bid to win UEFA EURO 2004.
His debut for the national side had come 14 months earlier in a 1-1 draw with Portugal and, in truth, the 22-year-old would have amassed a great deal more international experience by now were it not for a string of frustrating hamstring and metatarsal injuries that have stunted his progress. He did, however, contribute a couple of goals to the Netherlands’ successful qualification for the Germany 2006, as well as scoring twice against Germany in a 2-2 friendly draw. Hopes are high then that his renowned pace and trickery will be used to devastating effect in the country where Cruyff and Co thrilled the world en route to a heart-breaking Final defeat in 1974.
arjen robben
arjen robben image
arjen robben
arjen robben wallpaper
arjen robben
arjen robben
arjen robben
arjen robbenRobben, born in Bedum on 23 January 1984, was not around to see those halcyon days of ‘Total football’ and was little more than a toddler when his current international manager spearheaded a memorable Dutch triumph at the 1988 European Championship. However, since beginning his career with FC Groningen in November of 2000 and winning the club’s Player of the Year award while still just 17, the winger has set about making history all of his own.
