Euro 2008

Hiddink: I Made Robben

Russia's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink is claiming credit for the fact that Oranje star Arjen Robben has developed into one of the most exciting wingers in world football.

Jun 21, 2008 11:52:41 AM

EC Qualifier: Netherlands - Romania, Robben, Landzaat - Codrea (AFP)

Photo Gallery

Zoom

EC Qualifier: Netherlands - Romania, Robben, Landzaat - Codrea (AFP)

Related Links

Robben, still only 24, spent two years under Hiddink at PSV Eindhoven between 2002 and 2004, during which time he matured immensely not just as a player but also as a person according to his former mentor.

"I got Robben as a youngster and he improved a lot from an upcoming young player who was a little bit innocent, to an adult player within two years," Hiddink said about the Real Madrid star, who has dazzled at Euro 2008.

"He can outmanoeuvre easily a player in a one-on-one and he can do that from the left, middle or right attacking positions and he is a personality who is not afraid to have a failure. He is very adventurous," the Russia boss added.

Hiddink will be up against not only his former protege, but also the nation of his birth tonight, after guiding Russia to the knockout stages of Euro 2008 with Wednesday’s victory over Sweden.

Derek Wanner, Goal.com