As a fan, there will always be certain players that stir strong emotions, either positive or negative. John Pratt was always the player that I couldn’t stand as a kid. My recollection, which may be apocryphal, is of one particular gem; Pratt’s fifty yard back pass that let an Arsenal player in on goal. Pratt could do no right in my eyes, even though I’d accept that he must have done something to justify his appearance on the team sheet. When I heard that he had been appointed as a coach, I knew that we were in for a bad run.
As a kid, I sat behind a supporter who my family later discovered was a toastmaster. He utilized his loud voice to berate his personal bete noire, Martin Chivers. According to my grandfather, so loud was this guy’s voice that Chivers would look up when he screamed at him.
At the other extreme, there are players who just appeal strongly to a fan and can do no wrong. I confess to having a soft spot for Nico Claesen. While all around were fawning over Clive Allen (imagine what a certain Bulgarian would do if supported by a midfield including Hoddle and Waddle), I preferred Claesen and still feel that he was hard done by. Which brings me to Mr. Berbatov.
I’ve been waiting for the right moment to post a rebuttal to all the naysayers. I confess, Berba can do no wrong in my eyes. He can sulk and moan and be all manner of negative body language, it makes no difference to me. He is class. He is special. Although he is a different type of player, he brings to mind Jimmy Greaves in one respect. Players would moan about Greaves’ lack of workrate. Nicholson would meet this comment with a response along the lines of “you score 37 goals next season and you can do less tracking back!”
If Berba hangs around a while, I expect history will be kind to him. After all, Klinnsman deserted the team after a mere one season and has been deified by some. Ginola was a luxury player, but the highlight reels make him appear to be a god. For now, fans like me, who consider Berba’s participation pivotal, have to pray that he isn’t tempted to move on. I’d be broken-hearted if he did…..until the next Spurs star appears, that is!