hellava_tough
Well-Known Member
- Apr 21, 2005
- 9,429
- 12,383
Over the past couple of months my mates and I have been keenly watching Spurs (what-else are we going to do with our free time) on TV and at WHL, and an interesting if some what controversial debate has arisen. Basically, half of them think Berbatov is the mutt’s nuts, and the other half think that although he’s a player of raw talent, he’s not consistent enough.
So what do I think? Well, on the one hand Berbatov is a very skilful player indeed. He’s got a majestic first touch, close control, skills that make most players envious and great movement around the box. These attributes are obvious for all to see, and there have been many column inches in the papers, and football websites, devoted to the subject. I believe Berbatov is the 3rd best ‘Assister’ in the Premiership (Sky Sports using Opta). I even think that one of the main criticisms of the striker, namely his attitude and possible laziness, isn’t really that valid; as long as you’re producing the goods on the pitch, you can sun-bathe for half the match, for all I care.
However, I do understand why some of my mates criticise the Bulgarian for being inconsistent. How many times does Berbatov go for a high ball and shove the defender in the back, resulting in a free-kick for the opposition? How many times does he try a little flick or a pass that simply fails? How many times does he fail to hit the target with his wayward shooting?
I think the above are valid criticisms, but for me the biggest problem with Berbatov is fitting him into a side with Robbie Keane. WTF I hear many of you cry! The Berbatov/Keane partnership is excellent. Well, it’s good, there’s no doubt in that. The trouble is though that Keane and Berbatov are very similar players; they like to come deep, hold the ball up, look up for a player to pass to, take on players, etc. Neither, however, is a striker that will lead the line, and bang in 25+ league goals a season; a real goal poacher. I feel that Spurs need a striker like that if they want to compete at the highest level. Incidentally, it is for this reason that I don’t think Berbs will go to Manchester United. United already have two players (Rooney, Tevez) who have skills and come deep to collect the ball, just like Berbatov. United are after an out and out goal-scorer, not a skilful ‘forward’.
Ultimately, either Keane OR Berbatov needs to play up-front with an out-and-out goal-scorer. Neither of these players are going to be happy playing second-fiddle, so a choice would have to be made; sell Keane or sell Berbatov. In my opinion, I’d keep Keane because he seems to be more industrious and adds to the team-spirit.
Anyway, what do you guys think? Let the abuse towards me commence!
So what do I think? Well, on the one hand Berbatov is a very skilful player indeed. He’s got a majestic first touch, close control, skills that make most players envious and great movement around the box. These attributes are obvious for all to see, and there have been many column inches in the papers, and football websites, devoted to the subject. I believe Berbatov is the 3rd best ‘Assister’ in the Premiership (Sky Sports using Opta). I even think that one of the main criticisms of the striker, namely his attitude and possible laziness, isn’t really that valid; as long as you’re producing the goods on the pitch, you can sun-bathe for half the match, for all I care.
However, I do understand why some of my mates criticise the Bulgarian for being inconsistent. How many times does Berbatov go for a high ball and shove the defender in the back, resulting in a free-kick for the opposition? How many times does he try a little flick or a pass that simply fails? How many times does he fail to hit the target with his wayward shooting?
I think the above are valid criticisms, but for me the biggest problem with Berbatov is fitting him into a side with Robbie Keane. WTF I hear many of you cry! The Berbatov/Keane partnership is excellent. Well, it’s good, there’s no doubt in that. The trouble is though that Keane and Berbatov are very similar players; they like to come deep, hold the ball up, look up for a player to pass to, take on players, etc. Neither, however, is a striker that will lead the line, and bang in 25+ league goals a season; a real goal poacher. I feel that Spurs need a striker like that if they want to compete at the highest level. Incidentally, it is for this reason that I don’t think Berbs will go to Manchester United. United already have two players (Rooney, Tevez) who have skills and come deep to collect the ball, just like Berbatov. United are after an out and out goal-scorer, not a skilful ‘forward’.
Ultimately, either Keane OR Berbatov needs to play up-front with an out-and-out goal-scorer. Neither of these players are going to be happy playing second-fiddle, so a choice would have to be made; sell Keane or sell Berbatov. In my opinion, I’d keep Keane because he seems to be more industrious and adds to the team-spirit.
Anyway, what do you guys think? Let the abuse towards me commence!
mg: The Darren Bent debate. 
