Robben ready to fly the nest

By Berend Scholten

When PSV Eindhoven line up against AJ Auxerre in the decisive leg of their UEFA Cup fourth-round tie this week, an important piece will be missing from the Dutch club's jigsaw. Winger Arjen Robben is absent after tearing a hamstring, but with the 20-year-old due to join Chelsea FC in the summer, PSV are going to have to get used to playing without him.

Meteoric rise
Long regarded as one of the Netherlands' most promising youngsters, Robben's rise to footballing celebrity became even more rapid after his birthday on 23 January this year. Having previously appeared three times as a substitute, Robben marked his full international debut with a goal in a friendly against the United States on 18 February.

Great goal
It was a trademark effort - a fine dribble followed by a fierce shot - and further proof that Robben is a natural performer at the highest level. "During the match the pressure fell away," he told uefa.com, at the end of what was considered the most important game of his career so far.

Level head
"My speciality is the one-on-one duel and you have to do what you do best - you should not be afraid because you are playing for the national team," he added. "Just do what you normally do. When I succeeded in doing that, I can assure you it gave me a great feeling and a lot of hope for the future."

Chelsea announcement 
Sure enough, the future is bright. In early March it was announced that, having signed a five-year contract, the modest, down-to-earth youngster would join English Premiership club Chelsea on 1 July. PSV had been made an €18m offer they could not refuse.

United gazumped
PSV had themselves paid around €4.5m to prise Robben from FC Groningen in the summer of 2002, but it was clear he would not be staying long. During this season's winter break, he visited Old Trafford with a view to signing for Manchester United FC. However, when United failed to agree a fee with PSV, Chelsea steamed in for a player who was spotted by Groningen in 1996 while playing for local side VV Bedum.

Kenyon role
Chelsea managing director Peter Kenyon, who had masterminded Ruud van Nistelrooij's transfer to Old Trafford during his time at United, was the man who clinched the deal. As PSV chairman Harry van Raaij put it: "In the world of football it is handy when you can trust people, and I trust Kenyon."

Not before time
For PSV coach Guus Hiddink, the forward's move to the Premiership is not a premature one. "He learns very fast and that is why I have no doubt that this transfer could not have come too soon for him. Arjen will keep both feet on the ground, he is self-confident and strong. He had to take this chance."

English prospects
Robben, meanwhile, is getting used to the idea of life in the Premiership. "It certainly has gone very fast for me," he said. "First there was United, then there was Chelsea. It was hard not to speak about it sometimes, but in the world of football it is best to keep your mouth shut every now and then.”

Quiet reflection
As he nurses his injured hamstring on Thursday night, Robben will doubtless have more time for quiet reflection. PSV, meanwhile, will be hoping that another hero can be found to stand in for their favourite son.