ARJEN ROBBEN

The future of Arjen Robben was heavily speculated after it was announced that former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola would take over at Bayern Munich this season. Robben has a reputation for being selfish in the number of situations, but he has been equally good for the club over the years. He in fact scored in the final of the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund, while being a major reason towards the club lifting the famous treble last season. Due to his reputation for being selfish, it has been heavily rumoured that Guardiola will sell Robben in order to sign other players.

Even though Guardiola built the team around Lionel Messi at Barcelona, he is someone who values team performance more than anything else. This was expected to spell the end for Robben, who has played for several top teams like Chelsea and Real Madrid in the past. However, Robben has been a main feature in the Bayern Munich team, which continues to dominate domestic and European football. He suffered an injury just before the winter break, and he has returned to first team action now.

Guardiola has hailed the return of the Dutchman by saying that he has never seen such a professional player like Robben before.

“I’m in love with Arjen. In the whole of my career as player and coach I’ve maybe seen one or two players who are as professional as Arjen. He has an unbelievable mentality. He was playing unbelievably well before his injury. I hope he makes a comeback as soon as possible and maintains his superb form,” said the Bayern Munich manager. The club are currently top of the Bundesliga with a seven-point advantage with almost half a season to go. They will face Arsenal, who are the Premier league leaders, in the last 16 of the Champions League.