Dimitar Berbatov vs. Dirk Kuyt

[nicephoras]

Well most people would agree that Kuyt had a very good game in a champions league semi final, playing for a club that boasts two CL final appearances in three years. He'll never win world footballer of the year but it would suit you to pay him a bit more respect. Every side needs a couple of grafters like him. Seeing the type of football Chelsea play, you of all people ought to be aware of that.

Kuyt didn't have a very good game in the CL semi-final. He was, as usual, short of what's really necessary (a statement that sums up Liverpool's strikers for the past 4 years or so). He's a good third option for a top side.

[Caesar]

I like Kuijt, but Berbatov is in a completely different league.

[johan neeskens]

Kuyt didn't have a very good game in the CL semi-final. He was, as usual, short of what's really necessary (a statement that sums up Liverpool's strikers for the past 4 years or so). He's a good third option for a top side.

So you're saying that he doesn't deserve to be a starter for Liverpool? Or are you saying that Liverpool aren't a top side?

Kuyt would be the last one to claim that he's a world's class striker. I'm guessing that many a world class striker would absolutely love to have him on their side though.

[nicephoras]

So you're saying that he doesn't deserve to be a starter for Liverpool? Or are you saying that Liverpool aren't a top side?

You've asked the wrong question. For a side that wants to call itself world class, no, I wouldn't say he'd start. (Which is precisely why Liverpool have been looking to upgrade at that position.) That has nothing to do with him deserving anything - its what I think of his ability and talent.

Kuyt would be the last one to claim that he's a world's class striker. I'm guessing that many a world class striker would absolutely love to have him on their side though.

I think he'd make a fine 3rd striker for a world class club, as I've said many times. If, for instance, Chelsea couldn't get Berbatov (or a couple other players) this summer, I'd be pretty happy with Kuyt as our third option.

[Seaside Mafia]

Berbatov is more naturally gifted but I know who out of the two I'd like to have on my side in World War III (not Berbatov).

You are Vinny Jones and I claim my £10 !!

[ReddestDevil]

Berbatov has had a great season, constantly perfomed to a very high level. I think he is by far the better player and theres a lot more to come from him. Drogba & Berbatov would be some strike force.

If by "some strike force", you mean one of them putting the ball in the back of the net, while the other flails on the ground, then yes, some strike force.

[Kebbie Gazauzkas]

Berbatov strengths


good passing, tends to be a team player.
excellent first touch and fantastic ball control.
intelligence and ability to read the game.
very nice technical ability.
confident in the air.Kuyt strengths


not a greedy player, good in assisting/distributing the ball.
amazing work rate.
is often an aerial threat for opposing teams.
solid finisher.
creativity, not averse to attempting scissor kicks or long-distance shots.

[johan neeskens]

Again they're two very different players. Berbatov obviously the more creative and naturally gifted of the two. Kuyt though is very underrated. Liverpool are a lesser side if he doesn't play.

[dor02]

Berbatov with ease. He has great ball control and shooting ability. Kuyt, IMO, isn't as good as some people think he is. He's just a workhorse to me. He can be solid but he can't score vital goals. Liverpool could have done better than him. Maybe that's because he's different to other Dutch strikers of the past. He isn't a player with flair like Gullit or Bergkamp.

[Kebbie Gazauzkas]

Yes, Kuyt tends to be underestimated (like other Dutch players - e.g. Robben), he is very important for Liverpool and has often scored vital goals.

[KumarsS]

Yes, Kuyt tends to be underestimated (like other Dutch players - e.g. Robben), he is very important for Liverpool and has often scored vital goals.

When has Robben EVER been underestimated?

[Kebbie Gazauzkas]

I think that he was being underestimated at Chelsea - over a period of 5 months he was very rarely a starter for the team (Mourinho was playing two up-front, this did not suit Robben). Perhaps he should have been given more chances (Bouhlahrouz and Shevchenko also had some trouble adapting to the Premier League).

[KumarsS]

Boulahrouz was quite mediocre (at times, even awful) every game he played for Chelsea, except the CL group stage match against Barcelona in which he somehow completely neutralized Ronaldinho. But that was really it.

[Kebbie Gazauzkas]

True, Bouhlahrouz received a red card in a crucial game and lacked confidence as a whole, good that he moved to Sevilla. The injuries affected his game, he needs to regain his shape.

[canadianscout]

They both have completely different styles. Berbatov is composed, almost too composed sometimes, and lacks overall motivation. Basically, he rarely plays to his full potential. Kuyt is a player who has less composure, and therefore lacks natural finishing. But, he gives 110% and is one of the most driven people I have ever met.

[Kerkrade]

Kuyt