Dimitar Berbatov: The Deadly Bulgarian Strikes Again

Another magical comeback from Manchester United, another win on the trot, another game unbeaten and most importantly another three points to their account.

Sir Alex and his troops continue to march on. In a season with so many ups and downs, so many possibilities and contenders, United are still the team to beat.

There isn't a single United fan who would argue the fact that United are playing average football, nothing compared to their best, nothing compared to their potential. Yet, week in and week out, they seem to get the results, collect the points and continue to lead the table.

Some may wonder how, wonder why...the easiest explanation in my opinion is that of work rate, team effort, passion for the game, true understanding in the goals and targets that the management has set out and ultimately a manager that's able to lead his team, with patience, control and the ability to be calm when thousands are biting their finger nails in anticipation.

Amongst all the drama and intrigue, there is a player who defines calmness and a sense of self-control like no other—one of the best in terms of ball control, technical ability and a touch that could give you the shivers. 

Dimitar Berbatov has evolved into something more than just a striker. He has brought his A-game this season and has been rewarded with 19 league goals already.

While many might feel different to his abilities and rate him on his individual achievements rather than the effort and contribution he brings to the team, I differ in that respect.

In many ways Berbatov represents the morale and attitude that's required in the most pressured situations, able to take in the atmosphere and instead of getting excited with the clock ticking down, rather bring that calmness we are relating to, to the team.

In the past, many have labeled him slow and lazy, a player in no hurry and for some dubbed "overrated" simply due to his style of play, lack of pace and reputation as a player who many feel doesn't give all to the team.

For those who feel he's not worth 30 million pounds, think again. In a season when United seem slightly thin on quality, there seem to be a few players within the squad who have taken the responsibility head on.

Ryan Giggs, at 37, is playing some of the best football in the past decade, Anderson has stood up and forced himself to more regular first action and has been brilliant at times, Nemanja Vidic at the back has been a rock and a pillar of strength, and of course Dimitar has been there to put those balls in the net.

But it's not just his finishing that has improved tremendously over the last couple months—his passion, energy and drive are all visible.

Scoring a hat-trick at the weekend and two more against Blackpool, he seems well on his way to a possible 30-goal season.

Winning leagues, lifting trophies and becoming the best in the world is in most instances being able to grind out results—not just against the best teams in the world, but against those who at most times fight you with their passion rather than their ability.