The Bulgarian recently had his Premier League career saved by Martin Jol. Now in Fulham’s lilac, teamed up with Rodallega, the former Manchester United striker seemed bound to prove something to the footballing world.
3 shots on goal for a brace against West Bromwich Albion were more than enough to silence doubters. It seemed like resurging confidence took over his body and boots at Craven Cottage on a not so warm afternoon for the 4th gameweek, as his team came out with 3 points after maintaining 63% of the possession.
The halls of history hold similar stories related to the ostracising of players in squads where reliance on their abilities came short. I believe a man with trust in his abilities rarely gives up when tested. Darren Bent, Di Santo, Bendtner… have all shown their abilities when given time away from the prisons of inactivity.
“I don’t think I deserved such a treatment at United – not playing in the last year”, Berbatov told Sky reporters shortly after joining Fulham.
“He [Ferguson] tried to explain to me that the team will be using a more direct style, with more speed – But I’ve never been among the fastest players, I like to hold the ball, this is my style”, were the Bulgarian words to Sky Sports.
Ferguson’s decision was in no doubt going to hurt the former Spurs hotshot who found it hard to accept.
“I still have my dignity. I scored many goals, I won the league two times, and I was the league top scorer, so it’s not bad”, said Berbatov.
Being partnered with the powerful Colombian, Rodallega, Berbatov will likely be supported and serviced by Fulham’s solid and experienced midfield, with the likes of Duff, Kacaniklic, Sidwell and Baird pioneering the attack.
The physicality and air presence the two freshly acquired forwards add to Jol’s squad make them perfect targets for long glided passes.
September 23, 2012 – Wigan v Fulham (AWAY)
September 29, 2012 – Fulham v Manchester City (HOME)
October 7, 2012 – Southampton v Fulham (AWAY)
October 20, 2012 – Fulham v Aston Villa (HOME)
October 27, 2012 – Reading v Fulham (AWAY)
The 31-year old striker will have ample opportunities to express his frustration with Fulham’s next 5 fixtures looking promising, given they maintain the consistency they displayed against Steve Clarke’s Baggies.
With a total of 14 games (started / All competitions), Berbatov bagged 10 goals and 2 assists during the 2011/12 campaign. Known for his game revolving around placement and timing, age does not seem to be a factor that will affect Berbatov’s proficiency any time soon. Maybe Dempsey’s departure might be forgotten sooner than expected after all.
Will Berbatov gloriously be tearing nets again? What are your thoughts on Fulham’s new boy?
Written by Danny D’Purb for ThisIsFutbol.com | Please feel free to link up and share news with Danny on Twitter @DannyDPurb
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I hope he goes on a tremendous tear and shows exactly what United missed by treating him in such abysmal fashion, especially in preference to that over-hyped piece of crap called Wayne Rooney – and I say that as a United fan of over 40 years standing.