Van Marwijk defends Robben

06 July 2010 11:33

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk insists Arjen Robben is a changed man.

The former Chelsea star developed a reputation for going to ground too easily at Stamford Bridge that has never gone away and even at the World Cup, once he recovered from the hamstring injury which threatened his participation in the tournament, Robben has been criticised for hitting the deck too quickly.

But Van Marwijk insists the 26-year-old does not deserve the criticism, and said: "He doesn't do it deliberately. Arjen is incredibly fast and creative. He faces up to opponents and you do fall, or get pushed."

He added: "Maybe he has done things in the past that he shouldn't but he has learned and doesn't do it any more."

Source: PA