Two seasoned FC Bayern pros are shining on the right flank these days. At 33 years of age, Arjen Robben and Philipp Lahm are in top form, neatly exemplified by their displays against Hamburg on Saturday, when they played just as they did in their first season together eight years ago, excelling with one-twos, surprise sprints and blind understanding. "It was an incredible lot of fun again today," Robben commented after the 8-0 gala against Hamburger SV: "We all know we only have a few months left. I've got to enjoy it."
Lahm has announced he will retire this summer, which means Bayern's right-sided duo are spending their last few months together, driving each other to outstanding displays. "At one point in the first half both of us almost had to laugh," revealed Robben: "I got the ball at the half-way line and immediately saw him. We both sprinted. It makes me very proud to have played with such a great footballer, the captain, for so many years. I hope we can say goodbye to him with some titles."
'We get along superbly'
Skipper Lahm makes "no secret" of enjoying matches with Robben. "I really like to play with Arjen," the world champion had said after the 5-1 victory over Arsenal: "We get along superbly and have been playing together for some years now, so we know each other's runs and how we can support each other."
Lahm charged down the right flank at will against the men from the north, sending in seven crosses, the most of any player in Saturday's meeting. He had set up a goal with a pinpoint cross against Arsenal. "I don't know what my team-mates expect, if I'm to turn in a few extra kilometres in my last few months," the longstanding Germany captain said with a grin, and explained his workload in Carlo Ancelotti's system: "Our play is a bit different from our system in the last few years, so I have to run a bit more up and down the flank. But it doesn't hurt."
Milestone for Robben
Robben too is in excellent form, scoring his 125th goal in a competitive fixture for Bayern after setting up a goal with a cunning back-heel on Saturday. "Actually the back-heel isn't in my repertoire any more because I once sustained a major injury following a back-heel. But today I tried," explained the Dutchman. At 33 years of age, Robben and Lahm regularly shine on the right flank, and show no signs of easing up.
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