As Netherlands prepare to face Argentina in the World Cup semi final match on Wednesday, midfielder Wesley Sneijder has said on-form Arjen Robben is as important to the Oranje as Lionel Messi is to Argentina.
The Bayern Munich winger has been influential for the Oranje men at this terms' World Cup - signalling his intent with devastating displays in the demolition of Spain, Mexico, Chile and Costa Rica.
Hence, Sneijder believes Robben is highly crucial to the Dutch hopes of overcoming Messi and Argentina in Wednesday's semi-final.
"At this tournament more than any other tournament, Robben is to the Netherlands what Lionel Messi is to Argentina," he told reporters.
"He constantly occupies two or three opponents, creating space for others. Against Costa Rica [the last eight match won by Netherlands on penalties] he did that a number of times, and that helped us."
Netherlands legend Johnny Rep, who believes Robben is the man of the tournament so far, also echoed Sneijder's views.
The 62-year- old told L'Equipe he believed Robben has outshone Messi and said he felt the Dutch were more than capable of taking their place in Sunday's final.
"The team is playing better and better, it is mentally strong, is lucky and has Robben," he said.
"People talk a lot about Messi and James Rodriguez at this World Cup, but for me, the best player is Robben. He was already good in 2010, but now he's really been extraordinary. I had never seen him play like that. Robben is the Dutch Messi."