Berbatov and Spurs

[Berbati]

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!

:rofl:

Are you serious mate?

Berbatov is a big and strong target man (Ferguson: "I don't think you realise how strong Berbatov is.") who wins a lot of headers and can hold up the ball and link up the play under pressure. Keane lacks all these attributes.

Obviously, you have no idea about how Berbatov plays for Bulgaria and what role he had at Bayer. He has scored a lot of goals playing as a lonely striker up front. 41 goals in the Bundesliga in his last two seasons there, only 3-4 from penalties.

He plays as a forward for Spurs as the creativity of the midfielders is not good enough. Given that he scores 20+ at Spurs, how much would he score with Man U's midfield behind him? 35+ anyone?

 

[Berbati]

I could agree about 'smilar' player as you said, becuase both don't have enough pace, but coming deep and hold the ball up isn't problem, because this role wasn't given for both in one time in the pitch. under MJ, Keane played as creative player for him and Berbatov as Target man. but under JR, Berba played as creative player for Keane who looked our target man.

it was the manager thoughts, MJ prefered it because Berba is tall and he can use his head better than Keane in the box. As i know don't exaclty Ramos idea, but may be he think Berbatov is very skillfull player and that's could offer 'Kanoute' role in Sevilla, he could think Berba touches is unstoppable which take the pressure off on Keane. Both plans wored IMO.

They are smilar player because they are both lack of pace ( hopefully Keane can bring back his pace under this fitnees regime ) , and in terms of that, we could need pacy 3rd striker to offer something which lacked in our attacking football ( only Jenas & Lennon are quick, Malbranque, Berba & Keane aren't ) and that's all i think about your thread.

so, it is good chance here to say something 'special' about Berba, i don't think Berba liked to come deep, he looks like to do Managers orders for the best for the team, he also come back to defend in set-pieces as we were very bad in this season, He really won my all heart recently because he is trying to give 100% for the team. A type of these strikers can't be happy to take these rules as as his natural target man, but he never moans about these things despite it is reduced his chances to score goals ( which is the best thing and feel for any striker ) , Did you see Drogba, Torres, Adebayor etc doing something like this ? Berba is very special and deserve every praise for what he did recently for us. I really hope Ramos is going to strenghten the team in the Mid. and huge chances around him and other Key players here to help him getting his best football here.

Good observation.

But you are wrong if you think Berbatov is slow. He isn't very quick but he isn't slow either.

 

[tooey]

berbatov really doesn't need pace anyway... he saves running with his incredable vision and anticipation. look at R.V.Nistelrooy... hes cant run for shit but u still dont liek to see him creaping about!