Dimitar Berbatov’s characteristic cool reached brave new heights Sunday.
In the fifth minute of AS Monaco’s Ligue 1 (French first division) game against Nice, Berbatov controlled a pass with his first touch, let the ball bounce, then lobbed it over the head of goalkeeper David Ospina and into the far side of goal with an oh-so-casual flick of his foot.
Besides thrilling teammates and fans, the goal was an important one. It won the game for second-place Monaco and helped the club secure a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The goal also was Berbatov’s seventh in 13 games for Monaco (in all competitions). Berbatov is on loan from Fulham, and many expect Monaco to attempt to sign him as a free agent when his cotract expires this summer.
At times in his career, Berbatov, 33, has been criticized for his apparent nonchalance. But the skillful Bulgarian’s approach allows him to pull off moves like this. What is a coach to do? Let Berbatov be Berbatov, we reckon.
See Berbatov’s goal against Nice below.
Thumbnail photo via Facebook/Dimitar Berbatov
