Berbatov v Torres: Who's the better striker?

Former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler takes a look at the contrasting fortunes of the two strikers at the heart of Sunday’s showdown, and argues both should be considered top class.

CONFIDENCE :

Berbatov - It’s clear he is a player who thrives on confidence, as most strikers do, and when he was getting stick from the United fans last season, it affected him badly. But he has made an impressive start to the new campaign, and when someone scores a goal like his second, their confidence can’t be higher.

Torres - People automatically say, because he’s not 100 per cent his confidence must be affected, but I don’t believe it’s as straightforward as that. When he got the ball there were glimpses of his confidence in his ability to take players on and head for goal...it’s just he didn’t get the ball enough.

TOUCH :

Berbatov - He’s a player who has always had a sublime touch, which is why the United fans were a bit harsh in criticising him so strongly. Players of his quality on the ball are rare, and they should be encouraged. Persevere and with him and you get goals like that on Sunday.

Torres - When he’s at the top of his game then his touch and pace are a deadly combination, but it’s probably not quite there yet as he’s still coming back from a series of injuries that can affect that first explosive moment on the ball, so probably could do with a few more games to get it right back.

SHOOTING :

Berbatov - Probably been a little bit of a weakness of his in the past, because he doesn’t always look to shoot at the first opportunity, but his goal against Everton and then against Liverpool showed that when his confidence is high he has the ability to find the net with an almost effortless ease.

Torres - You need the ball in the right areas before you can even shoot, and he’s not getting that at the moment. I can’t really remember him finding many shooting opportunities recently and that’s always hard when you’re a striker, because when they do come alone you can be a little prone to anxiety and snatching at them.

FITNESS :

Berbatov - He has that look of someone who is sometimes struggling for fitness, but that is deceptive, and I think that’s one of the reasons why not all the United fans took to him. He looks like he’s not interested at times, but in fact does a load more running that people realise, and his movement was a key on Sunday.

Torres - It takes time to get back up to the top level after a long period of injury, and he’s had more than his fair share in recent times, which probably explains a lot of his frustration lately. Even just a fraction of a percentage makes a massive difference at his level, and in a couple of weeks, he’ll probably look a different man again.

TEAM PLAY :

Berbabtov - Again, an area where he was criticised in the past, but how can you fault his team play? His work off the ball was outstanding against Liverpool, his movement impressive in the way he dragged players out of the box and then got back in there late. His three goals were a reward for his hard work on behalf of the team.

Torres - You can never question his contribution to the team, because he is prepared to put in a shift up front on his own against some of the best - and toughest - defenders in the world, and believe me that’s not easy. At the moment though, the team don’t quite seem on his wavelength, and that looks uncomfortable for him.

SERVICE :

Berbatov - The key area for all strikers. Last season I got the impression his team-mates didn’t always understand him and didn’t give him the service he needs. Now they are working around his strengths and it shows. He’s strong in the air and the two headed goals showed he is getting the right balls in now.

Torres - I watched with interest as Liverpool completely failed to find him in the first half at United, and the results were obvious. In the second though, their tactics changed, and suddenly he created two goals. That showed he is not as far away as people are making out. Give him the ball and he will get results, which was evident after the break at Old Trafford.