Is Roman Pavlyuchenko the Man to Replace Dimitar Berbatov at Tottenham?
Roman Pavlyuchenko is set to make his Tottenham debut this weekend following his £13.8m move from Spartak Moscow. His arrival in the Premier League was overshadowed by the departure of Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United and Manchester City’s capture of Robinho. It would seem that little has been reported of the Russian Euro 2008 star. However, two of his new club team-mates saw first hand what a handful he can be this week.
Spurs young Welsh stars Gareth Bale and Chris Gunter both faced up to the Russian striker in midweek when on international duty. Pavlyuchenko scored from the penalty spot and made an impression on his future team-mates. Gunter had this to say, “I was impressed with him. He did a lot of unselfish work off the ball that you appreciated when you were playing against him.”
He has not been alone in praising the talents of the tall striker, the Football Pools resident Pundit John Barnes dismissed fears about Russian players not being able to adapt to our League when he said, “I personally have been impressed with him. His attitude and commitment is excellent and he is a big strong guy. You worry about player’s physiques and strengths when they come to England as it’s a tough League but he looks a strong lad. He puts himself around and works really hard”.
The former Liverpool and England star went on to add, “For me, it doesn’t matter where you come from it’s about your character and your attitude. Pavlyuchenko showed in Euro 2008 that he has a good work ethic so I am sure he’ll be a major signing for Tottenham”.
Barnes former Liverpool team-mate and fellow Football Pools Pundit Alan Hansen was not so taken with the Russian as a replacement for a certain Bulgarian now plying his trade at Old Trafford. He said, “I don’t think the Russian’s goal scoring record is phenomenal but he’s joining a side that will create a lot of chances and he played well at the Euro’s so we’ll have to wait and see”.
He went on to add, “I would certainly be surprised if he turns out as good as Berbatov though the Bulgarian was a bit of trouble there and at times looked disillusioned and this new guy will probably be more professional”.
Hansen may have a point about the striker’s goal scoring record at Spartak as 69 goals in 141 League appearances is not incredible. However, the 26-year-old has finished top scorer in the Russian League in the past two seasons and scored more goals than Man City’s £18m man Jo. If you add his international record of 10 goals in 24 matches including 3 goals at Euro 2008 and two against England last season then his stock somewhat rises.
Pavlyuchenko is a different type of player to Berbatov as he is more of a finisher than a target man but he is quick, tall and should thrive on the service at Spurs from players such as Luka Modric and David Bentley. Interestingly enough he arrives at White Hart lane with a better scoring record than Berbatov had in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. The Bulgarian scored 69 League goals in Germany but played in 154 League games, 13 more than Pavlyuchenko played in for Spartak.
So do Spurs fans hold out much hope for their Russian new boy or do you feel he may prove to be an expensive flop? Let’s hear your views.
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Tags: Dimitar Berbatov, Euro 2008, Manchester United, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Russia, Spartak Moscow, Tottenham
September 12th, 2008 at 14:53
He may not have the Bulgarian baby’s skill but the lad looks strong, works harder,quicker and braver so I am expecting great things…we need ‘TEAM’ players not sulkers. Him and Darren Bent will work their socks off which can only be good.
September 12th, 2008 at 14:54
He is well overrated and not in the same class as Berbs who will love it with us winning all sorts!
September 12th, 2008 at 15:16
Im goning to put my kneck on the line and say that he will turn out to be a fantastic bit of bussiness. As for Berba he is a massive loss and were going to miss im dearly. Robbie Keane will score under 10 goals this season Wathch… Big game monday night..
September 12th, 2008 at 16:57
Pavlyuchenko will turn out just as good as Berb. No question he was the right replacement for the whinging Bulgarian - he has great skills in every department, just like Berb and is going to surprise those who’ve not seen him play. So Spurs end up with a great striker who will score as many - and make as many - goals as Berbatov, and ave come out of the “exchange” with a handsome profit. After all the misery of the Manure campaign to disaffect Berbatov this happy result is well deserved.