How 'Football Chameleon' Arjen Robben Remains Irreplaceable at Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich were unable to win a game for the first time in over a month on Sunday, sharing the spoils of a scoreless draw in the Bundesliga with second-placed Borussia Monchengladbach.

The result ended a six-game winning streak during which Bayern exploded into form, hammering their opponents in their last three matches by a combined 17-1 margin. But it was perhaps not a surprise that the Bundesliga title-holders were unable to edge Gladbach; they were missing talismanic star Arjen Robben.

In a squad that contains a bench of world-class players, it may raise a skeptical eyebrow to claim that one of Bayern's starters is irreplaceable. But their record in Robben's absence shows just how influential the Dutchman can be.

Robben has played in eight games for Bayern this season, scoring five and assisting two goals. What's more, the German record-champions have won every game in which he's played a part. In Robben's absence, however, Bayern's record is downright ugly: one win, three draws and a loss in all competitions with a neutral goal difference.

Fatigue, from which Robben may well have suffered along with many of his teammates had he played against Gladbach, is of course one explanation for the Bayern attack lacking bite against Lucien Favre's side. But the Dutchman is so dangerous, so decisive that one can only assume he would have created at least a couple of good opportunities to decide that match.

Even as he approaches his 31st birthday—and even as younger Bayern players like Mario Gotze and Xherdan Shaqiri develop towards the prime of their respective careers—the ex-Real Madrid and Chelsea man continues to prove himself as an irreplaceable member of his team.

Robben is a unique player, not only in the Bayern squad but in all of world football. What stands out most is his ability to turn tragedy into triumph. Many would have lost hope after suffering setbacks as he did in the summer of 2010.

First he missed a clear chance to win the World Cup for the Netherlands, failing to beat Iker Casillas in a once-in-a-career, one-on-one opportunity. Then, upon returning to training at Bayern, he was immediately diagnosed with a five-centimeter-long tear in his hamstring. He would not return until January of 2011.

When he returned, Robben was understandably lacking in the pace and explosiveness that defined the early years of his career. Like a chameleon, he changed out of necessity, becoming more of a team player.

In 18 appearances that spring, he assisted as many goals as he scored (13 apiece). Since then, he's scored 58 goals and assisted 42 more. Prior to that, Robben's best assist tally was 11 in a season; he'd only reached double-digits twice.

By the time he got his pace back, Robben was a vastly improved player. His ego was held in check and he played for his team more than himself.

The end of the 2011-12 season brought another massive setback for Robben, as Bayern finished runners-up in three competitions with Robben missing two key penalties (including one in the Champions League final) that could have led to silverware. To make matters worse, the Netherlands had an internal conflict at Euro 2012 and were humiliated, losing all three of their group stage games.

When Robben returned to Bayern, he served as a substitute for Thomas Muller. Many would have given up. But he persevered and, when Toni Kroos was ruled out for the season in April of 2013 with a muscular tear, Robben stepped up in a huge way.

A year after woeful individual setbacks, he scored the winner in the Champions League final and led Bayern to the treble. Since his penalty miss against Dortmund killed off any chance of his club making a comeback in the race for the 2012 Bundesliga title, Robben has scored six goals and assisted two more in seven appearances against BVB. Tragedy to triumph.

Bayern have many world-class weapons in their arsenal, but one that remains unique and irreplaceable is Arjen Robben. The Dutchman has dealt with incredible amounts of adversity in his career but each time adapted and grown; it's no wonder that despite his advancing years, he's now at the peak of his career.

His story makes him a perfect role model for aspiring footballers. And when the time comes, Bayern will find it a daunting task to find another Robben.

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