Dimitar Berbatov: 5 Reasons He Is the Most Undervalued Player in England

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After a disappointing end to the 2010-11 campaign, Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

The Bulgarian striker became manager Sir Alex Ferguson's third-choice striker towards the end of the season, behind the exciting duo of Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney. United's Mexican sensation and English talisman formed a lethal partnership, and look to be Ferguson's first-choice strikers next year as well.

Berbatov came to United with high expectations, after the Red Devils shelled out a club-record £30.75 million for the striker.

Although the Bulgarian has shown glimpses of absolute brilliance, he has not fit into Ferguson's counter-attacking system. The United No. 9 has been criticized for his lazy style of play, and tendency to drift out of big matches.

The high-profile striker has not been happy with his lack of playing time. Towards the latter half of the campaign, the Bulgarian became a squad player, rarely seeing action in significant fixtures.

After failing to make the substitute's bench for the UEFA Champions League Final, Berbatov has been linked with a return to Tottenham and a move to French club PSG. The Bulgarian striker's market value has been set around £15 million, half of his transfer fee in 2008.

The United frontman has the talent to start for any of Europe's elite clubs, and would be a steal at his current value.

Although the 30-year-old Berbatov is no longer in his prime, the United striker is still the most undervalued player in England.

Movement

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Although Berbatov is frequently criticized for being lazy, he provides exceptional movement along the frontline.

The Bulgarian tends to drop deep and take up dangerous positions between the midfield and attack. Berbatov may not be a Wayne Rooney-esque all-action forward, but he is an intelligent striker.

The United No. 9 drifts into pockets of space, providing an outlet for the midfield or defense. Berbatov often drops deep to receive the ball and link up play. The Bulgarian's willingness to move along the frontline and create chances for other teammates makes him an outstanding lone striker.

Berbatov floats along the last line of defense, bringing others into the play. The Bulgarian's intelligent runs are a large part of his success as when playing as the main striker in a 4-5-1 system. The United frontman pulls defenders out of position, and opens up space for onrushing wingers and midfielders.

The Bulgarian is often criticized for his work rate, but he provides outstanding and clever movement upfront.

Hold-Up and Link-Up Play

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The Bulgarian's hold-up and link-up play are undoubtedly world class.

Berbatov shows surprising strength on the ball. Although he may not be the most physically imposing striker, he has good balance and is rarely knocked off the ball. The United striker shrugs off challenges and keeps possession for the team.

When playing as a lone striker, the Bulgarian is able to use his skill and positioning to shield defenders from the ball. Berbatov's strength gives him the freedom to dwell on the ball and wait for support from midfield.

Although the United striker has improved his hold-up play over recent years, his ability to link up with teammates has always distinguished him as an elite striker. When Berbatov drops deep to receive the ball, he has space and time to combine with the midfielders. The Bulgarian has exceptional skill, and can play intricate one-twos down the flanks or through the middle.

Berbatov also combines well with teammates when pushed up against the last defender. The United striker can pull off clever flicks and play quick, one and two-touch football. His technique and composure on the ball allow him to seamlessly link up with the midfield.

The Bulgarian's ability to keep possession and combine with others is under-appreciated, as evident by his £15 million price tag. While many strikers can do one or the other, Berbatov has the physical qualities and technical skill to do both. His contributions to the overall team play cannot be understated.

Shooting and Goal-Scoring Ability

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Although Berbatov has emerged as more of a provider than goal scorer at Old Trafford, he still possesses a great right-footed shot.

Given space and time, the Bulgarian has the ability to bulge the net from outside of the box. The United striker can shoot with good pace and accuracy, testing opposing goalkeepers from distance.

Berbatov may not be able to finish with both feet, but his ability to shoot with the outside of the right boot often compensates for his weaker left foot.

Although the Bulgarian is a threat to score from in and around the area, he has not been the clinical finisher that Ferguson signed from Tottenham. While Berbatov gets into good scoring positions, the United striker has not delivered goals in the big matches.

While he lacks the finishing prowess of a Chicharito or Carlos Tevez, the United No. 9 is still a potent goal-scoring threat. Berbatov has exceptional shooting technique, striking through the ball or with the outside of the foot.

The Bulgarian has shown that he scores goals in bunches, with his three hat-tricks this season. Berbatov carried United through the beginning of the season, consistently finding the back of the net. While his production slowed towards the latter half of the season, the striker still finished the year as the EPL's joint-top scorer.

Berbatov has world-class shooting technique, and a solid goal-scoring record in England's top flight. The Bulgarian should be on the radar of Europe's top clubs, as United seem willing to sell the player for a significant discount.

The Spectacular

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Since his move to England in 2006, Berbatov has shown that he can produce the spectacular.

Against the likes of Liverpool and West Ham this season, the United striker scored magnificent, memorable goals. He has the class and technique to score on the side volley, or even from an overhead kick. Although the Bulgarian cannot be expected to consistently deliver breathtaking goals, he has the ability to do so.

Berbatov's potential to score a few magical goals per season separates him from the majority of strikers. Whether the Bulgarian hits a thunderous volley or uses his skill to create a spectacular goal, he can produce unbelievable moments.

The ability to deliver incredible goals may not be the most important aspect of a striker's game. However, Berbatov has produced such breathtaking moments, and boasts the skill to continue doing so.

English and European clubs should be looking to swoop for the United striker. With his potential to create or finish a sensational goal, Berbatov adds a different dimension to the attack.

The Bulgarian has the skill to produce spectacular moments out of nothing, which should be attracting the interest of elite clubs in England, Spain, Italy and Germany.

Technical Ability and Skill

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The Bulgarian is arguably the most technically gifted and skillful striker in the world.

Berbatov's graceful and elegant style of play stems from his superb technique and skill on the ball. The United No. 9 has an exceptionally soft touch, which allows the striker to take down balls in the air and over his head with ease. The Bulgarian is able to stretch out with his right boot and gain instant control.

The United striker's tremendous close control has become a hallmark of his game. Berbatov can dribble and maneuver out of tight and crowded spaces. At times, the Bulgarian makes it look as though the ball is stuck to his right boot.

In addition to his delicate touch and outstanding technique, Berbatov has the skill to rival some of the world's best playmaking midfielders. The Bulgarian's comfort with the ball at his feet allows him to be composed when in possession. With his ability to produce moments of magic and sublime ingenuity, the United striker is more dangerous on the ball than moving off it.

Strikers are not expected or required to have the same level of technical skill as United's No. 9. Some of the world's elite forwards, such as Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain, do not have Berbatov's ability or composure on the ball.

The Bulgarian's technical brilliance makes him a special talent up front. There are only a few, if any, natural strikers with Berbatov's technical skill.

With his movement, hold-up and link-up play, goal-scoring ability and technical skill, the United striker should command a fee in the £20 million range. He may be past his prime footballing years, but the Bulgarian is still a world-class striker.

Berbatov has all the tools to be a regular first-team player for an elite European club. Although his attitude and work rate need improvement, the United striker has the physical attributes and technical ability of a world-class striker.

At his current valuation, the Bulgarian should be on the radar of clubs like Inter, AC Milan and Real Madrid.

Berbatov's £15 million price tag makes him the most undervalued player in England.