Robinho: The Open Net Villain

Can we all just take a moment and look into the past really quickly? Back to the 2004 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A to be exact. That was the last time anyone has seen Robson de Souza, aka Robinho, score more than 14 goals in a season. Robinho netted 21 goals that year; which was the last and only time the AC Milan striker hit 20+ goals.

Seeing a name like Robinho in a starting 11 should send chills down opposing player’s spines and it should be a given that at least one goal will be scored by the star. A former Real Madrid product and a Brazilian international, Robinho has been known as one of the most "well rounded" strikers in the game.

So, why is Robinho absolutely frightened when he faces an 8 x 24 white open mouth? How can a "well rounded" striker keep his yearly goal tally under 14 goals since 2004?

These questions have been asked by Madrid and Man City fans, and recently AC Milan fans, for quite some time.

Being a Milan fan, I have watched every game Robinho has played in. I have seen some amazing goals and assists from the number 70 this season and last. But I have also seen the questionable side of the 5 foot 7 Brazilian striker. Of course, I am talking about his horrific open net missed goals that even a blind dog could score if it had the chance.

The most memorable miss I can recall came on December 2nd, 2011 when Milan faced off against Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Alberto Aquilani made a great defensive play; winning back the ball against Dario Dainelli inside Genoa’s penalty area and sending in a low cross pass straight to Robinho. All that was needed was a small… no… a slight tap from Robinho to be in the back of the net. Somehow, the ball ended up in the 5th row of Genoa’s Curva Sud. Milan fans would expect that miss from former left back Massimo Oddo, but not Robinho! However, it was somewhat entertaining watching Aquilani’s reaction after the ball left the field. Luckily, Milan was still able to come away with a 2-0 away win thanks to Ibrahimovic and Nocerino. Here is a video of what I am talking about.

There have been many more unbelievable missed chances. Curious to see more horror stories with your own eyes? Here you go:

There is no more "room to grow", no more "getting better with age". At this point in Robinho's career, the soon-to-be 28 year old should be able to easily strike home more than 18 goals a season, especially with a prestigious club like Milan.

Milano have surrounded Robinho with some great talent. The likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato, Antonio Cassano and Kevin-Prince Boateng playing around him should put his name in the top 3 of the Capocannoniere list. Surprisingly, our second leading goal scorer is defensive midfielder Antonio Nocerino… Yes, Antonio Nocerino. A player bought by Milan on the last day of the summer transfer market with money found in the cracks of Silvio Berlusconi’s living room couch.

Don't get me wrong, I have always liked Robinho and I think he looks great in the red and black. Hell... I even bought his jersey. But the way Robinho has played for Madrid, City, and Milan can be considered sub-par for a name like his.

We still have half a season left in Serie A and with the name Carlos Tevez floating around at the San Siro, maybe this will be a wake-up call for a talented player that Milanisti believe can be great once again.

Cheers,

JC