We preview a key head-to-head in the World Cup quarter-finals between two star men who will also be lighting up the UEFA Champions League live on Sky Sports next season. Here, we analyse Netherlands’ Arjen Robben and Costa Rica’s Joel Campbell. Who will fire their nation to victory?
Saturday 5 July 2014 09:00, UK
ARJEN ROBBEN
Age: 30
Nationality: Netherlands
Club: Bayern Munich
Position: Forward
STRENGTHS
Three goals and one assist in four games at the 2014 World Cup says everything about the threat posed by Robben. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid man is a lethal attacker and looks like a man on a mission after the pain of his missed chance as Netherlands lost to Spain in the 2010 World Cup. Robben’s pace and close ball control mean he is always a danger to rivals and he has completed on average 4.3 successful dribbles per game.
WEAKNESSES
The furore surrounding Robben’s reported diving confession has been his biggest negative at this World Cup. It has brought the forward unnecessary attention and critics have in the past accused him of diving.
RUMOUR MILL
After stints with Chelsea and Real among others where Robben never quite fulfilled expectations, he is not likely to leave Bayern any time soon given the success he is enjoying at the Allianz Arena. Robben has won three Bundesliga titles and a UEFA Champions League along with many other trophies during his time with Bayern and he has been a key part of the club’s return to an on-field status as one of the best in the world.
World Cup 2014 | Goals | Assists | Dribbles Per Game | Shots Per Game |
Arjen Robben | 3 | 1 | 4.3 | 2.8 |
JOEL CAMPBELL
Age: 22
Nationality: Costa Rica
Club: Arsenal
Position: Forward
STRENGTHS
With just one so far, Campbell has not contributed as many goals as Robben and he is far less experienced but he has matched his opponent’s tally of an assist. Campbell, who spent last season on loan at Olympiakos from Arsenal, is adept at winning free-kicks for his team, which can relieve pressure, and has been fouled on average 4.8 times per match. Only three players have been fouled more than Campbell this summer in Brazil.
WEAKNESSES
Campbell has turned possession over to the opposition on average five times per game at the 2014 World Cup, which is more than any other player. He is also dispossessed on average 2.8 times per game.
RUMOUR MILL
Arsene Wenger is said to be ready to give Campbell his chance to prove himself at Arsenal in the new season after loans at Lorient, Real Betis and that time at Olympiakos, where he did well against the likes of Manchester United in the Champions League. His future has been the subject of speculation but it looks like his chance will come at Arsenal.
World Cup 2014 | Goals | Assists | Turnovers Per Game | Dispossessed Per Game |
Joel Campbell | 1 | 1 | 5 | 2.8 |