
Strong defence is simple answer to Robben riddle
An internet search for "Arjen Robben cuts inside" produces more than two million items, one of them a recent tweet declaring: "That was the 10,000th time Robben has cut inside and shot with his left foot - so predictable".
Yet, when the Bayern Munich winger bears down the right in Saturday's Champions League final, Borussia Dortmund's defenders, if they follow in the misdirected footsteps of so many before them, will still, inexplicably, allow the Dutchman to switch the ball on to his favoured left foot and turn a usually benign situation into a potentially critical one.
Robben's right foot was once described as being "made of chocolate" by compatriot Johan Cruyff and is still so ineffective that any Sunday league full back, let alone the cream of
Yet, time and time again, having feinted to go outside, Robben is somehow given the space to cut in. Too often the end result is that the ball sails into the top tier behind the goal but, as he has matured, the manoeuvre now more often leads to a dangerous pass or a fierce, left-footed, attempt on goal.
If the world's television watchers have managed to identify this familiar routine, then clearly leading coaches and players are aware of it too. So why is he still so often allowed to venture into the one place he wants to go instead of being ushered down a generally blind alley?
He has quick feet, wonderful control and critically explosive speed over the first two or three metres so that even when defenders are expecting the move they are sometimes unable to counter it, but there is very little deception about what he does.
‘Quick and clever’
The process leaves many experienced observers shaking their heads in frustration every time his all-too-familiar "trick" comes off. "If the defender is doing his job properly of course you can stop him cutting inside but they have to really concentrate because he is so quick and clever," said former England manager Terry Venables.
"Once he goes inside, the opposition are in danger — the secret is staying close."
Robben fans will point to the semi-final first-leg victory over Barcelona as evidence that he is not a one-trick pony, as he did indeed go past Jordi Alba on the outside. His performance will certainly be central to Bayern's prospects on Saturday, when the man marking him will be Marcel Schmelzer.
If the German international has done his homework and manages to keep Robben glued to his chocolate side then it could well be a sweet night for Dortmund.

Mumbai City beat Bagan 2-0, book AFC Champions League spot

India men’s hockey team beats Germany 6-1 in first match for over a year

Bale double helps Tottenham crush Burnley

Sania Mirza ready to rebuild after Covid-19 recovery
- India’s former world doubles No.1 looks at her season ahead with Tokyo Olympics an added motivation.

Arsenal rekindle European hopes with 3-1 win at Leicester

Mary Kom to lead 14-strong Indian boxing team in Boxam International tourney

Vinesh Phogat resumes Tokyo Olympics re-build with title in Kiev meet

Popyrin fights back to win maiden ATP title in Singapore
- Popyrin fired 11 aces and broke serve five times to hand fourth seed Bublik his fourth defeat in a final.

Barcelona's Pedri faces spell out after muscle injury
- Pedri has been a mainstay in the Barca side playing 37 matches in all competitions this season.

Feels like playing my playing first senior international event: Mudit Dani

Gold for Rakesh, mixed doubles pair in Fazza world ranking tournament
- Indian para archer Rakesh Kumar stood on top of the podium in the Compound event while the pair of Harvinder Singh and Pooja grabbed gold in the recurve mixed team event

Para athlete Nishad Kumar tests positive for COVID-19

Indian shooters disappoint in skeet mixed team event of ISSF Shotgun WC

Indian shotgun coach tests positive for Covid-19 in Cairo
- The coach had been immediately isolated after returning positive for the virus.
