Dimitar Berbatov has defended Romelu Lukaku on criticism of being out of form.
The Belgian forward scored his first goal at Old Trafford since March in a 4-1 win over Fulham and his strike at Southampton ended a run of 12 games without a goal. Berbatov now says Lukaku offers more to the team than many people can see.
“Why do people concentrate on this [goalscoring drought. Strikers are more than just goals now. How is that going to help Lukaku when there are constantly people saying how long he didn’t score a goal for. It is important and I am sure he had that relief ‘it is finally over’. People always talking about him not scoring is just spreading negativity.” Berbatov told Skysports.
“He knows all this. He is probably going home and saying to himself ‘I cannot believe I didn’t score again, people are going to be on my back.’ How is that going to affect his self-confidence? It is low. People think he does not want to score, but that is wrong of course.” the former Man United striker added.
Berbatov further pointed out the strengths that set Lukaku apart from his peers and urged fans and pundits to see his qualities.
“I like him a lot because he is good on the ball, he is powerful, but he needs team-mates around him who understand his quality, and know how to pass him the ball. If Lukaku is not as good as others with his first touch, then give him a ball that he can handle.” Berbatov concluded.
