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Arjen Robben has stamped his authority as one of the most exciting and talented
wingers in European football today. Born in 1984 Robben's natural flair and ability
was evident from an early age gaining him interest from local Dutch football clubs.
FC Groningen signed Robben in 2000 and he quickly established himself as a valuable
and integral fixture in the team. At FC Groningen Robben was able to shape and hone
his already prevalent talent and was duly rewarded when he was named player of the
year at only his first season with the club.
Robben's steady progression at Groningen soon attracted interest from major clubs and
PSV Eindhoven soon snapped up the youthful maestro for the start of the 2002-03 season.
Robben again showed his class at PSV Eindhoven and in his first season as the club was
named joint player of the year along with team mate Mateja Kezman. Robben's silky
skills and deadly attacking abilities directly contributed to PSV Eindhoven's
success in lifting the Eredivisie title. Despite enjoying success at PSV, Robben
decided to sign for Chelsea. But he then moved on to Spanish side Real Madrid
for the start of the 2007-08 season.
Robben is a regular player for the Dutch national team and was an integral member
of the squad that participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Robben has played in
27 games for the Netherlands, scoring 8 goals. The first international experience
of Robben's career came in Euro 2004. In the tournament, it was Robben who scored
the deciding penalty in the shootout between Holland and Sweden, which ensured
that at the fifth attempt, the Dutch finally won a penalty shootout. Robben played
in his first World Cup Qualifiers in 2006. In six games for the Netherlands,
Robben scored two goals. The Netherlands qualified for the World Cup in 2006 and
in Holland's opening match against Serbia and Montenegro, Robben scored the winning goal
in the 18th minute, and was named the Man of the Match.
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