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Kerala Blasters have struggled so far in ISL 2017, failing to win in their 3 matches so far. They have also struggled going forward managing just 1 goal in the 3 matches. But the performances of their star signing Dimitar Berbatov has been the bright spot so far.
Despite the fact that the former Manchester United man is yet to score a goal, he has performed quite well so far. Here, we take a look at some of the stats that proves the genius called Berbatov still has it in him.
Shooting
While Kerala Blasters have struggled going forward managing just 1 goal in 3 matches so far, Dimitar Berbatov has more than done his bit to help Kerala Blasters cause offensively. The Premier League veteran has been remarkably efficient with his shooting, hitting the target with all of his 3 attempted shots.
His efficiency is in stark contrast with the performances of ISL’s top scorer Iain Hume, who despite playing as a forward has attempted just 2 shots in 3 matches and has offered no threat to the opposition defences. If Kerala’s fellow forwards replicate Berbatov’s efficiency while shooting their goal scoring problems will lighten up considerably.
Defensive contribution
Dimitar Berbatov has shown professionalism and commitment unlike quite a few foreigners without naming them who appeared as they were not playing with full commitment. The former Manchester United striker has made 4 interceptions so far, the most by any Kerala Blasters player, highlighting his intelligence and ability to read of the game.
The 38-year-old also has attempted 8 tackles from 3 matches, further emphasising his commitment and contribution, both defensively and offensively. Berbatov’s commitment to not only contribute going forward but also help the team regain possession is a big reason why he has been the best Kerala Blasters player so far.
Ability to dictate the play
Dimitar Berbatov had played as a centre-forward throughout his career. However, the 38-year-old has taken a deeper role for Kerala Blasters in ISL 2017. The Bulgarian is the creator in chief for the Kerala Blasters and he is frequently seen taking the ball from Kerala’s defenders to help the Blasters build out from the back.
He has attempted 150 passes, at an average of 50 passes per game. The impressive aspect from his passing stats is that the Bulgarian has attempted and completed the most number of passes in the final third, helping Kerala Blasters penetrate the opposition defences.
Adaptability
Berbatov made his name in the English Premier League as a centre-forward with outstanding technique, velvet touch and vision to open up any defence. The former Manchester United man was expected to play as a centre-forward at Kerala Blasters as well. He did start his first ISL match in that position, but as the game progressed Berbatov, like a true professional, understood that his technique, vision and experience would be best served by playing in the deeper role.
While Berbatov has is fourth among the Kerala Blasters in terms of most number of touches, that particular stat is ruled by defenders Nemanja Lakic-Pesic and Sandesh Jhingan, and deep-lying midfielder Arata Izumi. With Kerala often playing the ball around in defence, Berbatov (with 182 touches) has often come down in the defensive half to help his teammates, whenever they were being closed down.
