Which would you prefer, the laid-back Dimitar Berbatov or action man Carlos Tevez? DAVID PLEATgives his insight
THE MANAGEMENT and spectators at Old Trafford are fortunate. In Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez they have two international strikers of contrasting styles and abilities, and with very different work rates, but both players bring real value to the team. Given that Manchester United also boast Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, the Bulgarian and the Argentinian are often left to compete for one place in the side but the inclusion of one in preference to the other can dictate the whole team’s approach.
You sense there is an arrogance to Berbatov yet it is because the game comes so easily to him that he gives the impression of being less than committed, as his languid movement invites accusations of a lazy streak. That is simply his style – rather than charge around as a blur of energy, he merely drifts into positions and touches the ball off to colleagues in the narrowest of spaces. He is a natural goalscorer who can also climb and direct aerial balls pumped out of defence with nonchalant ease. A craftsman does not often play the busy bee; he waits for the opportunity to use his skill and then pounces.
Berbatov is not obviously a player who revels in the physical challenge of the game but he is actually strong and holds the ball up as the team’s “pin man” to await support. Every side needs this type of front man to keep possession for those vital seconds and allow his midfield and back players to move up in support. But Alex Ferguson has often dropped the 28-year-old a little deeper, posing the opposition’s second centre back the dilemma of how far he follows to mark him. That makes him an awkward opponent.
Comparisons were drawn with the charismatic Eric Cantona when Berbatov moved from White Hart Lane in the summer but the Frenchman moved around more, seeking the ball from his colleagues before probing with his passes or moving strongly in possession – a quality that Tevez has in abundance.
The Argentinian’s powerful, stocky frame, allied to great determination and running stamina, has undoubtedly given the Old Trafford crowd a hero they do not wish to lose. His sense of team responsibility is way ahead of that of the Bulgarian. He chases any opponent who dares to dispossess him but just as significantly, when a team-mate loses the ball, his drive to succeed for his colleagues ensures a great will to regain possession. That is a quality much appreciated.
He would score more goals if he played closer to the front as a more orthodox second striker but Ferguson uses his talents to complement others. Often he drops deeper and involves himself in the build-up play. He can keep the ball tight and spreads it wide in Paul Scholes-fashion. Whenever he makes a pass, he continues his run, looking for the return. He is an action man with bundles of energy.
Supporters at Old Trafford have warmed to Tevez more and more in recent weeks. There is no question that, in these tough economic times, the current crowds want to see effort and sweat as well as sublime skills. Quality without obvious endeavour is misunderstood. Everyone has a different pain threshold. Everyone has a different capacity. Some players are capable of working harder than others but a lazy player is soon dispatched. Berbatov’s problem is that his particular style of play can make him look uninterested or slack, when actually his body language can be deceptive. Yet, whether they confront Arsenal with the Bulgarian or the Argentinian in their line-up, United will include a player capable of propelling them into the Champions League final.
GuardianService
