Wesley Sneijder has continued where he left off with his club side Inter Milan.
After winning an unprecedented Treble domestically, the midfielder has been involved in over half of the Netherlands' goals at the 2010 World Cup, scoring five goals and delivering one assist.
With Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong employed as midfield enforcers behind him, Sneijder has had more freedom to roam up the field and try his luck. He has already found the net five times in South Africa, as many as he managed in the whole of last season's Serie A with Inter.
One other aspect of Sneijder escaping his shackles with the national side is that he has also managed the most shots for Bert van Maarwijk's side (19).
He has been impeccable in his shooting, testing the keeper with nearly two in every three attempts. He has also been excellent in his delivery, completing 85% of passes, that's seven points better than in last season's Champions League.
Sneijder has come a long way from his season in the wilderness with Real Madrid back in 2008/09 where he only started 18 league games.
No longer wanted at the Bernabeu, Jose Mourinho brought him to the San Siro where he demonstrated his all-round ability. More of a creator than a finisher, he conjured up three chances per game in the Italian league.
However, it was in the Champions League that he made a lasting impression, scoring three goals and making six assists in only 11 games, proof that Sneijder really comes into his own on the biggest stage.
In fact, in 16 Champions League and World Cup games this season, he has scored seven goals and delivered seven assists, not a bad return.
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