Weekly Tip by: Gary
Although many supporters, pundits and so called experts have criticised Berbatov's first season at Man Utd, claiming a lack of goals, or telling contributions for a sustained period of time. Actim Index (the primary stats and data supplier for the Premier League) tells a differing story.
In-fact Actim ranked Berbatov as the 3rd best Premiership striker last season, and the 4th best player overall. Actim assess every part of a player's performance by distributing match ratings for numerous aspects of their general play, meaning it's not subjective (like opinions) but very much scientific in it's approach.
I assume many will find these Actim stats a startling revelation, but as a Spurs fan I'm well aware of Berbatov's excellent overall game (with the exception of his lack of defensive work of course but then again he's a flamboyant striker not a defender, and if he was to track back more he would then not be in a threatening attacking position as much so you can't have it all!)
To back up my argument his Premiership goal/assist stats for last season compare very favourably to Rooney's for instance. Berbatov had 10 assists last season (second in The Premiership only to Robin Van Persie's 11) and 9 goals. Whereas Rooney had 7 assists and 12 goals. Yet Berbatov with 3 more assists and 3 less goals has apparently had a very poor season, while everyone agrees Rooney has been great, hmm that does not quite add up to me.
The league's best strikers more often than not top the scoring charts, and mirroring that fact the most inventive players often top the assist charts. Yes an assist stat does not tell the whole story but it is a very good indicator of the most creative players. It also gives an indicaton that Berbatov has alot more to offer offensively than the one trick pony workhorse Tevez. I believe Sir Alex agrees with me, hence why he bought Berbatov in for big money despite recruiting Tevez the year before.
With Ronaldo now departing to Madrid, I feel Berbatov will revel on the Man Utd stage as I believe he craves the spotlight and starring role, which he can now occupy more of with co-star Rooney. Also I feel he will have fully adapted to life at United and be fully accustomed to their style of play. Many past greats have taken a season or more to adapt before they showcase their true potential, Berbatov is the same. Sir Alex is no fool he does not part with £30m without knowing the guy is mustard, form is temporary, class is permanent!
I would expect him to score far more goals next season (15-20) and sustain or exceed his assist tally (10) making him an ideal candidate for goal scorer and other betting coupons.
