ISL 2017: 4 stats that show Dimitar Berbatov is Kerala Blasters' best player

Adaptability

Berbatov has used all his experience to play in deeper roles as well. (Photo: ISL)

Berbatov made his name in the English Premier League as a centre-forward with outstanding technique, velvet touch and vision to open up any defence. The former Manchester United man was expected to play as a centre-forward at Kerala Blasters as well. He did start his first ISL match in that position, but as the game progressed Berbatov, like a true professional, understood that his technique, vision and experience would be best served by playing in the deeper role.

While Berbatov has is fourth among the Kerala Blasters in terms of most number of touches, that particular stat is ruled by defenders Nemanja Lakic-Pesic and Sandesh Jhingan, and deep-lying midfielder Arata Izumi. With Kerala often playing the ball around in defence, Berbatov (with 182 touches) has often come down in the defensive half to help his teammates, whenever they were being closed down.