Sporting icons : Rob Rensenbrink- unsung Dutch football legend , career HLs & video

 


Rob Rensenbrink, born on July 3, 1947, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, was a distinguished Dutch footballer renowned for his exceptional skills and versatility on the field. Primarily playing as a left winger or forward, Rensenbrink made a significant impact in European football during the 1970s. He was a key player for the Dutch national team, notably participating in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups, where the Netherlands reached the finals both times. His club career included successful stints with Anderlecht in Belgium, where he won numerous domestic and international titles, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players of his era.


Rob Rensenbrink had an illustrious career marked by numerous achievements and memorable performances. Here’s a detailed look at his career highlights and playing style:


### Career Highlights


1. **Early Career and Club Success:**

   - Rensenbrink began his professional career at DWS Amsterdam, where his talent quickly became evident.

   - In 1969, he moved to Club Brugge in Belgium, making an immediate impact in the Belgian First Division.


2. **Anderlecht (1971-1980):**

   - His most successful period was with R.S.C. Anderlecht, where he became a key player.

   - Rensenbrink helped Anderlecht win two European Cup Winners' Cups (1975-76, 1977-78) and two UEFA Super Cups (1976, 1978).

   - Domestically, he led Anderlecht to two Belgian league titles and four Belgian Cups, becoming a legend at the club.

   - He was named Belgian Golden Shoe (Player of the Year) in 1976.


3. **International Career:**

   - Rensenbrink was a vital part of the Dutch national team during the 1970s.

   - He played in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, where the Netherlands reached the final but lost to West Germany.

   - In the 1978 FIFA World Cup, he scored five goals, including a hat-trick against Iran. The Netherlands again reached the final, this time losing to Argentina.

   - He came within inches of scoring a potential winning goal in the 1978 final, hitting the post in the last minutes of regular time.

   - Rensenbrink was the first player to score 1000 goals in World Cup history (including qualifying rounds).


4. **Late Career:**

   - After leaving Anderlecht, he played for Portland Timbers in the North American Soccer League (NASL) and finished his career with Toulouse FC in France.


### Playing Style


Rob Rensenbrink was known for his elegance, creativity, and technical prowess on the field. His playing style included:


1. **Dribbling and Ball Control:**

   - He was an exceptional dribbler, often dazzling defenders with his close control and quick feet. His ability to maneuver in tight spaces made him a constant threat.


2. **Versatility:**

   - While primarily a left winger, Rensenbrink was versatile enough to play as a forward or attacking midfielder, adapting his game to different tactical needs.


3. **Speed and Agility:**

   - His speed and agility allowed him to exploit defenses, making incisive runs and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.


4. **Finishing:**

   - Rensenbrink had a keen eye for goal, capable of scoring from various positions and with both feet. His precision and calmness in front of goal were notable.


5. **Vision and Creativity:**

   - His vision and creativity enabled him to provide numerous assists, setting up goals with perfectly timed passes and crosses.


6. **Free Kicks and Penalties:**

   - Rensenbrink was also a proficient free-kick and penalty taker, often scoring from set-pieces with his accurate left foot.


Rob Rensenbrink's combination of skill, intelligence, and flair made him one of the standout players of his generation, leaving an indelible mark on both club and international football.



Rob Rensenbrink passed away on January 24, 2020. He had been suffering from a muscle disease called progressive muscular atrophy, a rare condition that gradually weakens the muscles. His death marked the loss of one of Dutch football's greats, remembered for his exceptional talent and contributions to the sport.


In the below video get some glimpse of the prowess of Rensenbrink 


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