Alex Buttner has claimed he can’t wait to face Bayern Munich to come up against Arjen Robben in what will be the biggest game of his – Buttner’s not Robben’s – career. Unlike the majority of Reds who are absolutely terrified by the thought of Buttner taking on one of the best wingers in the world, the 25-year-old Dutchman was a man full of confidence as he spoke ahead of tomorrow’s night game.
Buttner was handed rare starts against West Ham and Aston Villa, as David Moyes opted to give the Dutchman some much needed time on the pitch ahead of Bayern’s visit and the former Vitesse defender claims he’s reaped the benefits of playing more regularly and he’s now ready to face Robben.
“I’m looking forward to playing against Bayern,” Buttner told the Daily Mirror. “I’ve played two games now and I’m starting to get a good feeling, because I thought I played well against West Ham and Aston Villa.
“It’s a big game on Tuesday, but it’s a chance for me to show what I can do. It’s been vital for me to get the two matches, because it would have been difficult not to play and that to have to face a big game like Bayern.
“I probably still need a bit more, but two games should be okay. After that I hope I can get even more matches.
“I feel confident about playing them. I know what Arjen Robben can do and I’m ready for him. I’ve watched him so I know how he plays.
“I’ve never played against him before and I haven’t watched videos or anything like that to study him, but I know enough from what I’ve seen to know how he plays the game.
“He’s very good one-against-one, especially when he comes inside. I have to focus on that game and be confident in my own quality. I know I can get the better of him.
“It’s not under discussion how good he is, we all know that. But this kind of big game is why you play football. It’s what it’s all about.”
The Dutchman admitted that Patrice Evra has been a hugely influential figure during his stay at Old Trafford and Buttner revealed that the French full-back offered a couple of words of advice ahead of Tuesday night.
“I don’t know if people saw it, but before the game Patrice spoke with me for about five minutes,” explained Buttner. “He helped me a lot – It’s not like he was hoping I wouldn’t do well. He helps me every day and I appreciate that.
“He’s been in football for many years and I’ve only been here for two years. In England it’s difficult football and he’s helped me a lot. I’m ready.”
Well, one can only hope he really is ready.

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