Arjen Robben’s basic entrance at FC Groningen has loosened up the tongues. The attacker not only delivered two assists against FC Emmen (0-4), but also hinted afterwards that he was open to possible participation in the European Championship, should national coach Frank de Boer need him this summer. The last time Robben came into action on behalf of the the Dutch was on October 10, 2017, when the winger claimed a star role in the World Cup qualifying match against Sweden (2-0) with two hits.
If it is up to Barry van Galen, Robben will ‘just’ be part of the selection of the Dutch next summer. “I would take it anyway,” says Van Galen The Telegraph. “With his enthusiasm he makes everyone sharp. If I had to choose between Babel or Robben, then I know. Then I say one hundred percent Robben. For everything he has done, but above all because of the intense experience he brings. Er are really just a few top players who have that pure fanaticism in them and Robben is one of them. He can act as an extension of Frank de Boer in the group alongside assistant Ruud van Nistelrooij. He knows exactly what is required of a player. “
In the past, Robben worked closely with, among others, Bert van Marwijk at Oranje. Van Marwijk acted as national coach during the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship. “It is an opportunistic idea to say of a player, who has played eighty minutes for the first time in two years, that he has to go to the European Championship”, said Van Marwijk. “At first you would say: that is not realistic. But it is about Arjen Robben, a player with specific qualities, who knows what it is like to perform on such a podium. If Arjen stays fit and plays the remaining two league games. and maybe two more in the play-offs, then I would seriously think about it. ”
Wesley Sneijder also shed his light on a possible return of Robben to the Dutch national team. The former midfielder joined on Sunday evening, together with former teammates and former the Dutch players Mark van Bommel, John Heitinga and Durk Kuyt. Humberto to discuss the situation around Robben. “That would be a sensation,” says Sneijder. “He is an example for many. But I think it will be quite difficult.” Kuyt does not see it happening immediately. “If Robben is fit, and then you take him alone, of course, then he wants to play too. I don’t think that’s possible.”
Frank de Boer left opposite Football International at the moment know not to feel anything for a return of Robben to the Dutch. The national coach will announce his preliminary selection on Friday and was recently told that he may not take 23 but 26 players for the final tournament. “I’ve learned never to say never,” De Boer responds. “But at the moment I rule it out. I am very happy that Arjen is playing again. Especially for himself. If you also saw him afterwards: this is top sport at its most beautiful. But we also have to put it in perspective. I think Arjen last played ninety minutes in 2019. ”