Sports
Dimitar Berbatov Named Best 11 of Teammates From his Career
Summary
- Dimitar Berbatov named his all-time XI based on teammates he played with during his career.
- The likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo lead a formidable attack.
- No Tottenham players make the team, although Berbatov did say he was tempted to select Ledley King at centre-back.
Dimitar Berbatov had a career that most would be envious of. The Bulgarian went from one of the deadliest young strikers in European football at Bayer Leverkusen to a Premier League icon at Tottenham and Manchester United, where he would go on to win numerous honours.
Throughout his different footballing adventures, the 43-year-old would get to line-up alongside some of the greatest talent in the modern game – as proven by his teammate XI, which he named while appearing on Optus Sports. From multi-time Champions League winners to a former Ballon d’Or holder, there are very few sides that would have the skill and balance to compete against Berbatov’s dream team.
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Goalkeeper
Edwin van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar is perhaps one of the most underrated goalkeepers of the Premier League era. Despite joining Manchester United as an elder statesman, the Dutch giant was still an incredible shot-stopper for the next several years, winning league and European honours. On his number one, Berbatov said:
“I call him the professor because I sat next to him on the bus when we travel to games and he was always telling stories about life and players were asking him for his opinion. It was joyful to sit next to him.
“And on the pitch, c’mon we know how good he was. We knew we could breathe calmly if he was on the pitch. Overall, a great human being, accolades all over the place. He was unbelievable.”
|
Edwin van der Sar and Dimitar Berbatov’s stats when on pitch together |
|
|---|---|
|
Matches |
93 |
|
Teams |
1 (Manchester United) |
|
Points-per-game |
2.2 |
|
Wins |
63 |
|
Draws |
16 |
|
Losses |
14 |
|
Joint goal participations |
0 |
|
Minutes |
6,497 |
Right back
Gary Neville
Despite being one of the best full-backs in the Premier League era, injuries had crept up to Gary Neville by the time his Bulgarian teammate arrived at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, his impact in training was enough for the striker to be impressed.
“He was unbelievable in training. Very professional. Hard-working on the pitch, talking on the pitch,” Berbatov said of his former captain.
“And I remember him telling me ‘Berbs, I know I’m not the best in the world but work ethic? I don’t think anyone can outwork me’. Because I see the young players on the other side of the pitch and he knew someone would come for his place so he needs to work hard.”
|
Gary Neville and Dimitar Berbatov’s stats when on pitch together |
|
|---|---|
|
Matches |
40 |
|
Teams |
1 (Manchester United) |
|
Points-per-game |
2.4 |
|
Wins |
31 |
|
Draws |
3 |
|
Losses |
6 |
|
Joint goal participations |
0 |
|
Minutes |
2,514 |
Centre back
Nemanja Vidic
One half of one of the greatest defensive partnerships in Premier League history. No prizes for guessing who the man alongside him will be. However, for now, Berbatov gives us a moment to appreciate Nemanja Vidic. The Serbian had a tough start to life in England, but transformed into a monster as he entered his prime. Even when Berbatov was a Red Devil, he feared facing the no-nonsense defender in training.
“He was unbelievable. He’d put his head in the wall for you and the team. He’d come in after the game, a tooth missing, blood everywhere, grass in the nose. ‘Vida are you okay?’ ‘I’m fine, don’t worry.’ The same in training so you need to respect that. He was unbelievable.
“A nightmare when I was at Spurs and played United. And I’m like ‘Oh no, Vida’. You have defenders when you see them on the team sheet and you’re like ‘Oh no’. So I was happy to go to United but in the training games…”
|
Nemanja Vidic and Dimitar Berbatov’s stats when on pitch together |
|
|---|---|
|
Matches |
109 |
|
Teams |
1 (Manchester United) |
|
Points-per-game |
2.33 |
|
Wins |
79 |
|
Draws |
17 |
|
Losses |
13 |
|
Joint goal participations |
2 |
|
Minutes |
7,518 |
Centre back
Rio Ferdinand
“It was between Ledley King and Rio Ferdinand,” claims the former Bayer Leverkusen star. And while he gave Spurs legend King his flowers, he relented that there was only really one choice to partner Vidic:
“I go with Rio. I was with him for four years. Won major trophies with him and I can tell you his intelligence level with him was so high. He can read the game. He can know before an attacker can turn he is already there and can take the ball. That’s why he rarely went down in slide tackles. He was already up there on his feet. He was fast, quick and intelligent. For me, these two players [Vidic and Ferdinand] complimented each other perfectly.”
Jamie Carragher Names Premier League’s Best Ever Centre-Back Partnership
Carragher also believes one other current partnership could find themselves added to the discussion in the future
|
Rio Ferdinand and Dimitar Berbatov’s stats when on pitch together |
|
|---|---|
|
Matches |
76 |
|
Teams |
1 (Manchester United) |
|
Points-per-game |
2.04 |
|
Wins |
46 |
|
Draws |
17 |
|
Losses |
13 |
|
Joint goal participations |
0 |
|
Minutes |
5,054 |
Left back
Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra loves this game, and Berbatov loved having him as his left-back. Personality wise, these two appear to be very different from one another. But the forward could only sit back and admire Evra’s physical and technical prowess:
“He was unbelievable as well. For his size, he can outjump me. When I played for Spurs and all of a sudden Evra is there over the top of me and I’m like ‘what is going on?’ Very strong and very sharp passing of the ball. Up and down the pitch. Very good to have as a friend. When I score a goal on the other side of the pitch, I turn around to celebrate and he’s always the first to be there and I felt great joy in that.
“A great sense of humour and a person who can inspire and give you strong words. That’s why he was captain at one point as well. You always need someone like this.”
|
Patrice Evra and Dimitar Berbatov’s stats when on pitch together |
|
|---|---|
|
Matches |
120 |
|
Teams |
1 (Manchester United) |
|
Points-per-game |
2.13 |
|
Wins |
79 |
|
Draws |
19 |
|
Losses |
22 |
|
Joint goal participations |
1 |
|
Minutes |
7,589 |
Centre Midfield
Paul Scholes
Perhaps one of the easiest picks in the team. As soon as Berbatov is asked to pick his midfield, he reveals: “One name straight away pops up in my mind, Paul Scholes.” The Englishman is widely regarded as one of, if not the best playmaker that the Premier League has ever seen, making him impossible to ignore, as the former golden boot winner revealed:
“That guy was unbelievable. He probably didn’t get enough credit when he played because he was quiet like me. He didn’t give many interviews. He was just training, games, home. If you ask any player around the world, three players to name, one of them is going to be Paul Scholes.
“You know he has a great shot. I was always wondering how he hit the ball so good and then one day we showered together and I saw his feet and they were so wide. So there’s no chance for you to miss the ball when his feet are this wide!”
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|
Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov’s stats when on pitch together |
|
|---|---|
|
Matches |
77 |
|
Teams |
1 (Manchester United) |
|
Points-per-game |
2.10 |
|
Wins |
50 |
|
Draws |
12 |
|
Losses |
15 |
|
Joint goal participations |
5 |
|
Minutes |
4,152 |
Centre Midfield
Fabinho
While it would’ve been easy for Berbatov to just name a full team of ex-Manchester United stars, Michael Carrick arguably being the most obvious choice here, the man himself confessed that he didn’t want to be boring. So he named a player few would’ve known he had ever lined up alongside. That being former Liverpool man Fabinho.
The Brazilian shared a dressing room with Berbatov during his time at Monaco before he became a stalwart at Anfield. The striker credits himself for getting the midfielder ready for the intensity of English football:
“He was very good in training and in games, taking responsibility. He could play right back, he could play in the middle of the park. And in training sessions, because I was used to physical contact, most of the time I was smashing him with elbows and with shoulders,” Berbatov revealed. “He was on the ground and he was like ‘Berba, c’mon.’ And I’m like ‘I’m preparing you for the Premier League’ and funnily enough, years later he’s in the Premier League and one of the best players of the team in Liverpool.”
|
Fabinho and Dimitar Berbatov’s stats when on pitch together |
|
|---|---|
|
Matches |
47 |
|
Teams |
1 (Monaco) |
|
Points-per-game |
1.74 |
|
Wins |
23 |
|
Draws |
13 |
|
Losses |
11 |
|
Joint goal participations |
2 |
|
Minutes |
2,862 |
Right Wing
Cristiano Ronaldo
Although he only spent a season alongside the legendary winger, Berbatov admitted there was no way he could have a team that didn’t include Cristiano Ronaldo. Regarded as one of the best players of all time, the Portuguese international spent his most potent years on the left or down the middle, but was most prominently used on the right in his first stint at Old Trafford, which is where the Bulgarian elected to play him:
“I had the chance to play with him, and see first-hand how he prepares for games, for the training sessions. I cannot remember him missing one training session to be injured or sick or wherever. He was always there. We can see his professionalism on and off the pitch. Back then, staying after training, going to the gym, and swimming. Taking care of himself at an early age and everything pays off along the way.
“He’s become one of the best in the world. The goals he’s scored, the numbers. Ridiculous. So of course, he must be in my team.”
|
Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov’s stats when on pitch together |
|
|---|---|
|
Matches |
39 |
|
Teams |
1 (Manchester United) |
|
Points-per-game |
2.44 |
|
Wins |
30 |
|
Draws |
5 |
|
Losses |
4 |
|
Joint goal participations |
5 |
|
Minutes |
2,739 |
Dimitar Berbatov picks his ultimate five-a-side team from past teammates, ft. Scholes
The former Manchester United striker made some bold choices…
Attacking Midfield
James Rodriguez
The only other non-Theatre of Dreams alumni to grace the team is 2014 World Cup star, James Rodriguez. The Colombian produced one of the greatest individual performances at an international tournament in Brazil, which saw him leave Monaco where he had been teaming up with Berbatov.
“I was 33 at the time and I felt a bit older with young boys running around me,” the forward explained. “James, I could see straight away with his left foot. He could find you straight away, he could put it where you want. And it happened a lot during my time there. He got the ball, and the first thing on his mind is to look forward not backward. He was unbelievable doing that.”
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|
James Rodriguez and Dimitar Berbatov’s stats when on pitch together |
|
|---|---|
|
Matches |
13 |
|
Teams |
1 (Monaco) |
|
Points-per-game |
1.85 |
|
Wins |
7 |
|
Draws |
3 |
|
Losses |
3 |
|
Joint goal participations |
5 |
|
Minutes |
738 |
Left Wing
Ryan Giggs
There’s an argument to be made that, based on his success and longevity at the highest level, Ryan Giggs is the greatest Premier League player to have ever stepped foot on an English football pitch. Whether as a terrifying wing wizard or a composed, completed midfielder, the Welshman defied age and often logic on his way to becoming United’s most capped player.
“That guy was phenomenal,” Berbatov quipped. “During the game and in the training sessions. Again, someone who can find you with a pass. Later on in his career, he adjusted his play. He wasn’t as quick but with his passion and his passing and vision. He was an example of how you can carry yourself into your 30s and 40s and play later in your career.”
|
Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov’s stats when on pitch together |
|
|---|---|
|
Matches |
84 |
|
Teams |
1 (Manchester United) |
|
Points-per-game |
2.11 |
|
Wins |
54 |
|
Draws |
15 |
|
Losses |
15 |
|
Joint goal participations |
5 |
|
Minutes |
4,119 |
Striker
Wayne Rooney
It may not have been as lethal as the trio with Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, but make no mistake, Berbatov formed a great understanding with Wayne Rooney as a front two pairing at Old Trafford. So it can be a surprise that his former strike partner waxed lyrical about the English great:
“The leading goalscorer for United. The statistics are there, the figures are there. Everything you guys need to know, he’s already proven on the pitch. Outside of the pitch, he was unbelievable as well. Always welcoming the new boys coming in. Always trying to integrate you into the team. When he needs to joke about, he did. When he needs to be serious, he did. When he need to score bangers of goals, he did.
“He was everywhere. He could play midfield, he could play striker. When needed he was in defence protecting the goal. He was sacrificing, with no selfishness. If you’re in a better position, he’ll give you the ball. Make you look good. He was unbelievable.”
|
Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov’s stats when on pitch together |
|
|---|---|
|
Matches |
99 |
|
Teams |
1 (Manchester United) |
|
Points-per-game |
2.24 |
|
Wins |
70 |
|
Draws |
12 |
|
Losses |
17 |
|
Joint goal participations |
12 |
|
Minutes |
5,561 |
Dimitar Berbatov best 11 in pictures
Sports
Update Emerges on Tottenham Move to Sign Eli Junior Kroupi in “Astronomical’ Deal
Tottenham Hotspur do have an interest in a move to sign Bournemouth sensation Eli Junior Kroupi this summer, according to Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge.
The Lilywhites have had an incredible summer transfer window already, bringing in all of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Mateus Fernandes, while a £100m deal to sign Sandro Tonali has also been agreed.
But after a second consecutive 17th-placed finish in the Premier League, Spurs are ready to go all-out to bolster Roberto De Zerbi’s squad for the new season, and a new forward is considered to be among the priorities for the window.
Update Emerges on Tottenham Move for Kroupi
Kroupi, who has been described as a ‘phenom’, had an incredible breakthrough season for Bournemouth in 2025/26, netting a record-breaking 13 goals in 35 appearances in the Premier League, more than any other teenager in a single campaign.
The Frenchman has attracted the interest of a number of clubs as a result of his performances, and Tottenham are understood to be one of the clubs who are also showing huge interest in his signature.
However, in an update shared by Sky Sports journalist Bridge, any deal is considered to be ‘highly unlikely’, as the Cherries have no interest in selling their prized asset ahead of the new campaign under a new manager.
Bournemouth have no need to sell and want to give Marco Rose the strongest squad possible to compete. It’s also stated that it would take an ‘astronomical offer’ for them to even consider a sale of the 20-year-old.
Bridge also stated that he spoke to a source about the deal who confirmed the interest in the player, although he also stated that everyone was keen on him, showing that there would be huge competition.
Tottenham Making Major Statements
Tottenham know they have to make a statement this summer ahead of the new season, and that comes with bringing in top players into the club to help them climb up the table and begin to compete for silverware once again.
Deals for Tonali and Fernandes were major statements, with the club breaking their transfer window twice in one window. But bringing in someone like Kroupi would arguably be an even better statement considering it comes after spending big money elsewhere, and with the competition they will face.
It’s unlikely a deal happens, but many would have said the same about Fernandes and Tonali just a few weeks ago, so this is one to keep a close eye on.
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Sports
Croatia’s Igor Matanovic Praised For Interview After Goal v Portugal is Ruled Out
Croatia bowed out of the 2026 World Cup in controversial fashion on Thursday evening as they had a last-minute equaliser against Portugal ruled out.
Croatia, who went into their last 32 match with Portugal at Toronto Stadium as the underdogs, took the lead shortly after half-time when Ivan Perisic broke the deadlock.
Portugal battled back and a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo and a goal from Goncalo Ramos turned the match on its head.
Croatia thought they had netted a last-gasp equaliser to take the game to extra-time when Josko Gvardiol found the back of the net from close range.
However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out. It was deemed that Igor Matanovic made the slightest of touches on a cross that fell to Mario Pasalic in the build-up, who was in an offside position, meaning the goal was chalked off.
Igor Matanovic Speaks Out After Disallowed Goal
The decision to rule out the goal sparked outrage, with FIFA feeling the need to release a statement explaining exactly why it was chalked off.
Matanovic gave a very honest interview after the match, confessing that he thought he made contact with the ball and that the goal was rightly disallowed. He said, per Abola:
“Honestly, I think I felt a slight contact with my hair. I asked the referee, I wasn’t 100 percent sure if I had touched him. He told me that they have a chip in the ball, that there was a slight contact and that, therefore, it was offside.”
He added: “It’s difficult to find the right words after the game. We played very well in the second half and deserved more. I haven’t seen the penalty yet, but if this is given… Three goals, offside, a post… I have no words, we were very unlucky today.
“When I came on, I had a good feeling on the pitch. We played a very good game, but this is going to hurt. We have to move on, keep attacking and think about the European Championship.”
Matanovic, who plays for Bundesliga club SC Freiburg, is being praised by football fans on Reddit for his honesty.
“Damn, rare to see honesty from players like this,” one fan said, while another commented: “A stand up guy. No ego here, just pure love of the sport.”
A third wrote: “Honesty in the big moments is rare, all respect to him,” while a fourth said: “Class act. Respect.”
⚽
World Cup History Quiz
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Luka Modric Rages at VAR After Portugal 2-1 Croatia
Croatia captain Luka Modric unleashed a stunning rant about VAR following the match. He said, via Sportske Novosti:
“Some things didn’t go our way. That penalty… If it were the other way around, VAR would never have been involved.
“I said about VAR in the beginning, when it was first introduced, that I didn’t like it. Later, over time, it’s good for some things, but they use it incorrectly or use it selectively, or depending on the size of the team.
“VAR should intervene if it’s 200 per cent a mistake, but if it’s not, if it’s in the grey zone, you have no say in it. There’s no point in calling VAR.
“This is no penalty. Both teams are replaying, pushing, Vlašić didn’t pull it, he held it, and both of them fell. That’s why you can’t judge a penalty like that in a game like this.
“That’s why I say, it has to be used if the mistake is 200 per cent. If you can treat something this way or that, you have no say in it.
“That annoys me and always works to our detriment. What is, it is, let’s move on, we won’t complain about it, but of course, some things bother me because fate decides.
“They decide the mood for everything you do, what you give up, you tear yourself apart, you fight. There are young players who come here, and then you do something like this to them… You are to blame for that, and it is always to our detriment.”
Portugal will play Spain in a mouthwatering last 16 clash. The match will take place at Dallas Stadium on Monday, July 6.
Sports
Mikel Arteta Personally Pushing Arsenal Move for Bruno Guimaraes
Arsenal are ready to strengthen their midfield this summer to bolster their title-winning squad, and Mikel Arteta has personally identified a top target that he wants.
The Gunners claimed their first Premier League title in 22 years by finishing seven points above Man City, while they also reached the Champions League and Carabao Cup finals, where they suffered defeat to City and Paris Saint-Germain.
Now Arteta is ready to push his side forward to another level, and Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has emerged as the man he wants at the Emirates Stadium above any other.
Romano: Arteta Pushing for Guimaraes Deal
Guimaraes, who has been described as ‘world-class’, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Magpies this summer, and is currently shining with Brazil at the World Cup, registering four assists to help them into the Last 16 of the tournament.
Arsenal have already had an initial bid worth around £55m rejected by Newcastle for the Brazilian star, and reports suggest that the north London club are preparing a new £60m move to try and tempt them into a sale.
But speaking in his latest YouTube video, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that it’s Arteta who is the driving force behind the deal, and he expects it to be very difficult to complete.
“Obviously, Newcastle sold Sandro Tonali, Newcastle sold Anthony Gordon, so now Newcastle don’t have any intention to let Bruno Guimarães go,” he said.
“At the same time, Arsenal had been rejected, £55m. Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the player, so what I can tell you, in addition to all of this, is that he really, really likes the player. Mikel Arteta was driving this interest for Bruno Guimaraes internally.
“It’s not the first time Arsenal go for him. Even in the past, they were considering the possibility to go for Bruno Guimaraes, [he has] always been a player appreciated by Arteta. But now with Newcastle, it’s not going to be an easy one at all, because Newcastle again made money with Gordon, made money with Tonali, and they already told Bruno Guimaraes, and they told people close to him that they want to keep the player, so it’s not going to be easy at all for Arsenal to get it done.”
Guimaraes to Arsenal Would Be Game-Changer
In the 2025/26 season, Arsenal’s midfield of Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice was run into the ground by Arteta, to the point where he opted to use Myles Lewis-Skelly during the run-in.
Christian Norgaard and Mikel Merino also provided other options during the season, but the addition of a new top-level midfield star would be a game-changing signing for the Gunners, and would help to take them to the next level.
Newcastle, obviously, don’t want to lose yet another star, but cash is king in football these days, and Arsenal have the resources to get a deal over the line if they stump up a fee that is big enough.
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