The majority of Manchester United fans continuously regard Dimitar Berbatov as a “flop”. They question the goal scoring ability of the Bulgarian and they question his work rate. However, what they fail to realise is that he is not a Wayne Rooney or a Cristiano Ronaldo, far from it in fact. What Berbatov offers United is priceless. His deft touches and delicate flicks are key factors to his style of play. Yes, he might not work as hard as he should do or score as many goals as his hefty price tag suggests, but in all truth, he gives United that creative quality that is needed to split defences wide open.
What people fail to realise is that the creative forward was second behind Robin Van Persie in the Premier league assists chart last season and he has continued to play a key role in a lot of United’s goals this season. Sunday’s Carling Cup final is a prime example. He put in a classy display. He didn’t get himself on the score sheet but he was heavily involved in both of United’s goals. He showed he can work hard by harassing Villa defender Richard Dunne, winning the ball off him and although Dunne got back to make a tackle, Dimi’s hard work paid off with Michael Owen equalising for the reds. The Bulgarian also had a huge part to play in Rooney’s winner. A delicate one-two flick with Antonio Valencia allowed the Ecuadorian to cross for Rooney to grab the headlines. Rooney grabbing the headlines has been common this season, but I’m sure if you ask Berbatov’s United team mates they will tell you that the 29 year old is a key player and is definitely worth the 30.75million we paid for him 2 years ago.
Yes, for United his goal scoring record isn’t the best, but the stats don’t lie. There is no doubt the elegant forward can score goals. He scored 37 goals in 65 games for CSKA Sofia, 90 in 200 for Bayer Leverkusen and the 46 goals in 102 games at Spurs, a key factor why Sir Alex Ferguson paid so much for him. Not to forget his record for his national team. He’s scored 48 goals in 76 games. An astonishing record! He’s a living legend in Bulgaria, not only the captain but is the country’s all time top goal scorer. Many people thought he would match his previous goal scoring records at United playing around better players, but he has failed to do that. Instead he has helped contribute to United playing more of a languid style of play, consequently making them harder to beat.
When I watch Berbatov play, I see small glimpses of a certain Eric Cantona. When the balls at his feet, there’s no one better. He brings other players into the game with ease. Many people think that Berbatov should have been the man sold and not the little Argentinean Carlos Tevez. I agree that Tevez did work tremendously hard, got important goals at important times, but Berbatov is a different kettle of fish. Sir Alex continues to stick by his man, so he must be doing something right!
