He has his father’s curls and apparently his aggression too – but Ruben van Bommel is a very different type of player from Mark once was. After harsh setbacks, he now stands on the brink of his debut for the Netherlands national team.
In May 2010, Bayern Munich had once again wrapped up the league title and appeared on the town hall balcony at Marienplatz for the traditional celebrations. It was one of the better parties. Arjen Robben wore his curious football cap and coach Louis van Gaal delivered his legendary championship speech ("Who has the best defence?") including a "kiss to all mums".
Here's a little quiz: who could feature in the Nations League match between the Netherlands and Germany on Thursday who was also there on the balcony back then? And no, Thomas Muller is not making a surprise comeback for Germany. The answer is Ruben van Bommel, son of then Bayern captain Mark. Wonderful photos show his father holding the then five-year-old boy and his two siblings Thomas and Rene at the balcony railing.
Now 22, Ruben is a left winger at PSV Eindhoven. New Bondscoach Xavi has called him up to the Dutch national team for the first time for the upcoming internationals. It is a pr...