After the performance vs VFL Wolfsburg from the duo, that comparison seems well earned.
Sometimes life can be so poetic. Arjen Robben, recently signed from Real Madrid, debuted for Bayern Munich against VfL Wolfsburg back in 2009 and immediately scored two goals, both assisted by Bayern’s star man, Franck Ribéry. Both were absolutely brilliant goals, with Ribéry’s mazy dribbling and Arjen Robben’s trademark finishing prowess on his left foot on full display both times. Reward yourself with a reminder, if you wish. That was the birth of the iconic Robbery- Robben and Ribery, a duo that would terorrize Bayern’s opponents for an entire decade to come.
Against the same opponent in 2026, Michael Olise and Luis Díaz laid down their greatest claim yet to be the duo’s heir for Bayern. It was not just the fact that the duo combined for three goals and three assists on the night but it was the way they combined so perfectly. Luis Díaz set up the own goal Michael Olise forced for the opener, The roles were then swapped as they forced another own goal out of Wolfsburg for the 4-1. Finally, they got a goal all of their own as Díaz threaded through a beautiful pass for Olise to befuddle the opposition by finishing with his weaker right foot, of all things.
The duo’s chemistry and deadly efficiency reminded the entire Allianz Arena of Bayern’s famous winger duo. This did not escape Bayern’s board member for sport, Max Eberl, who was more than willing to directly compare Bayern’s current wingers to their legendary counterparts:
“When I see Michael’s position and moves, he resembles Arjen Robben. We were just talking about it in the dressing room: he’s kind of like the new Robben we have – delicate, elegant,” Eberl gushed with praise, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “And with Lucho on the other side, we have the Franck Ribéry type, the creative chaos maker. Our wing duo is exceptional.”
6 years after Ribéry and Robben both moved on from Bayern, Die Rekordmeister may finally have found their replacements.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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Category: General Sports
