Poor Arjen Robben.

The ageless Dutchman simply cannot catch a break.

Robben was tipped by many to be among the top three to lift the Ballon d'Or in January, but when the final three were revealed on Monday, he was not among them.

It has been somewhat of a tough year for Robben. While his form has been arguably at its peak, his teams have often failed to deliver alongside him consistently.

He was arguably Bayern Munich's best player in 2013-14 with 11 goals and six assists. Not the best numbers of his career, but certainly terrific ones when one considers his position for Bayern Munich. He was huge in leading his team to the Bundesliga title. He was arguably better the year before when the team picked up a treble, but Franck Ribery was given preference to him that year.

But Robben not only finished the season strong for his club, he was arguably at his finest in the World Cup. The Dutch were a far cry from the team that competed in the World Cup final four years ago in Soccer City, South Africa. In that tournament, he was shut down by Iker Casillas on a breakaway that will likely live in his mind for the rest of his days. Much like he redeemed his failed penalty against Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League final by scoring the winner in the deciding match of the same tournament against Bayern's biggest rival, Robben set out to find some redemption for his nation.

And he was given that opportunity in the first game of the tournament as the Dutch vied with Spain for dominion over Group B. The competition was short lived as Spain imploded for five goals against. Leading the way for Holland was none other than Robben who scored not once, but twice. His first goal was a tremendous display of skill as he controlled an aerial cross in the rain, cut across Gerard Pique and fired the ball past Iker Casillas to give the Dutch a 2-1 lead.

But his big moment came at the close of the game with the score out of reach. With Holland up 4-1, Robben latched onto a throughball and raced past Sergio Ramos until he was all alone with Casillas. His nemesis from four years ago. In the same situation. This time Robben made no mistake. He dribbled around a slipping and sliding Casillas until he was all alone with the goal. He made no mistake and sank the final nail in Spain's coffin.

But he was not finished. Robben would score a tremendous individual goal against Australia in the ensuing match as he ran through the midfield. He would then add an assist in that game before capping the group stage as a catalyst in the win against Chile.

Mexico will regret the day it took on Robben in the Round of 16, as he was the bane of the side's existence. He almost drew a penalty in the first half, but was unfairly ignored. But late in the game, with the score tied at 1-1, he managed to draw the crucial penalty that won his team the game.

He continued his imperious form through the games against Costa Rica and Argentina, though he was thwarted by his own teammates (Robin Van Persie blocking his shots against the Central Americas for example) repeatedly and wound up being shut down. He had one final feast against Brazil as he drew a penalty and helped set up another goal in the third place match.

He was arguably the best player of the entire tournament and was handed the bronze ball for his efforts.

And if that is not enough, the Dutchman has six goals and three assists for his club to start the year.

He should have been nominated among the top three.

But over who? Ronaldo should always have been a lock from the start. No arguments here. Messi did not win a single trophy this year, while Robben managed two. He was also better in the World Cup despite not making the final. 

As for Neuer, the goaltender was the part of a terrific German squad (the best in the world) while Robben led an admittedly mediocre Dutch side. He lifted that Dutch team and practically carried it on his back to third place.

That alone is a display of one of the best players in the world.