Bulgarian striker offers a pessimistic self assessment
According to his Wikipedia entry, Dimitar Berbatov is the most prolific striker the world has ever seen, but sadly this is not the case. The Bulgarian has not threatened defences quite like he did when he wore a lillywhite shirt, and thanks to his unique “relaxed” playing style, he doesn’t earn an ‘A’ for effort in the eyes of most Utd fans (nor the players, who frequently infer that he is the laziest player at training).
Berbs has never appeared short of confidence - and his performance on Wednesday showed flashes of brilliance - but he has today been very critical of his own performances for Manchester Utd:
“In my first year I was disappointed in myself. I need to say that.
“It was a big pressure for me and maybe I failed myself. I think I wanted to prove myself to these supporters.
“You must remember, they are used to Best, Charlton, Cantona. I am just Dimitar.
“I got a number of assists, but I must score more goals.”
While Berbatov seems to suggest that his £30m price tag is an albatross around his neck, some Manchester Utd fans have jumped to his defence. Scott at ROM argues that Carlos Tevez ran around like Sonic the Hedgehog on Red Bull, but his strike rate was less impressive than Dimitar’s: the Argentinean managed one goal per 371 minutes, compared to the Bulgarian’s one goal per 282 minutes.
So, has he been a failure, or is he being a little harsh on himself? Votes and comments below, please…
The stars who have enjoyed facing their previous employers
This weekend, a whole host of players faced their former employers, most notably Emmanuel Adebayor at Eastlands and Dimitar Berbatov at White Hart Lane. Face kicking and celebrating aside, the former put in a performance that truly represented his stunning talent (something which was somewhat of a rarity during his final months at Arsenal), while the latter moped around and fluffed numerous chances (prompting the chant “That’s why we sold you!” - a chorus only bettered by the “You’re not signing any more!” that Chelsea received at Stoke).
With these acrimonious encounters in mind, Spoiler correspondent Liam Jarvis has selected his top five players who have enjoyed facing the teams that used to sign their puffed-up pay cheques…
William Gallas
The tantrum-prone Frenchman scored the winning header from a Cesc Fabregas corner to beat Chelsea 1-0 back in 2007. The goal ended a 3-year winless streak against their London rivals.
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer marked his 300th club career goal in perfect fashion, a simple penalty against former side Blackburn in 2002.
Pick your favourite player who wears the revered squad number
Calendar enthusiasts will be aware that today is 09/09/09, which is easily the most significant day in the Gregorian system since 07/08/09. In celebration of this tremendous occasion, we’re asking you to pick the best current number nine in the Premier League.
It’s a fairly mixed bunch - which sees no representatives from nine-haters Fulham and Everton - and we suspect one of two names will dominate…
Spoiler promotion: Fancy a free punt? Of course you do, silly billy! Check out hundreds of pounds worth of free football bets at OLBG Sports
Man Utd star accused of flirting with Playboy model via SMS
Dimitar Berbatov barely exudes enough energy to get out of bed and put his hairband on, so it was with great surprise that we read about his supposed adventures with a Bulgarian Playboy Playmate of the Year.
The rather lovely Nikoleta Lozanova received the honour of WAG of the Day status for her relationship with (unused) Liverpool goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov, but she has since started romancing Georgi ‘The Head’ Stoilov, a feared mob boss.
‘The Head’ isn’t exactly the kind of chap one should cross, but that is exactly what Berbs has done, if a Bulgarian magazine is to be believed. The Sun done a report what sez:
Her boyfriend, Georgi “The Head” Stoilov - a mobster with a reputation for extreme violence - was furious when told of suggestive messages.
Despite sort of devaluing the idea of a ‘Peace’ Cup by contriving to have both a player and manager sent off during the tournament, Aston Villa beat Juventus on penalties to lift the trophy yesterday.
In a shootout played out in front of literally tens of people, both teams put in some suitably pre-season-esque shanks and mishits before Alessandro Del Piero stepped up for Juve’s match winning spotkick (forward to 5:40)
Channelling the spirit of Dimitar Berbatov’s limp-dicked penner against Everton in last year’s FA Cup Semis, the mercurial Italian playmaker took a menacing stuttered run-up before gently stroking the ball into Brad Guzan’s waiting arms. Clearly beyond caring by this point, the Bianconeri went on to lose after a rubbish fifth penalty from Nicola Legrottaglie.
To his credit, after the match Del Piero admirably tried to make out like he actually cared about losing football’s most girly pre-season cup, saying: “It is a sour loss. However, we have to use it in order to grow stronger.”
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