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Best Ever Premier League Assist Surfaces Ahead Of Ronaldo Return

Best Ever Premier League Assist Surfaces Ahead Of Ronaldo Return

Dimitar Berbatov linked up well with Ronaldo in his final season at Old Trafford, producing some special moments.

Its easy to forget the long list of strikers who played alongside Ronaldo during his original six year spell at Manchester United.

Louis Saha, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Diego Forlan and even Alan Smith linked up with the Portuguese international who improved and matured, year after year but it was Dimitar Berbatov who often complimented Ronaldo as well as anyone.

The two crossed paths at United for one season only, in the 2008-09 campaign. Ronaldo would leave that summer for Real Madrid but not before combining with the classy Bulgarian strikerin an iconic moment at Old Trafford.

Berbatov and Ronaldo celebrate another goal during their time at United.
Berbatov and Ronaldo celebrate another goal during their time at United.

James Collins went on to be a solid centre half for West Ham, but when he went to close the space as Anderson slipped Berbatov in down the inside left channel, he didn't expect what would happen next. Berbatov, back to Collins, produced a two touch pirouette right on the byline leaving the Welshman dumbfound before sliding the ball perfectly for Ronaldo to score.

It was a touch of class. Yes, there have been many great assists in the Premier League from the likes of Gerrard, Fabregas and alike but this is right up there.

Ronaldo and Berbatov as teammates at Manchester United.
Ronaldo and Berbatov as teammates at Manchester United.

In an interview with Four Four Two, Berbatov explained his emotions after recalling that cold October night under the lights in which a first half brace from the five time Ballon d'Or winner sealed a 2-0 victory.

"If it hadn't finished with a goal, it would just be another trick. But when you make a goal its extra special, and if the goal is scored by Ronaldo it puts even more weight on the assist!" He reflected: "After he scored I tried to look so cool - no emotion, just walking back to the halfway line, like nothing happened, like 'yeah, this is a usual day for me' but inside I was like 'did you all see that?'"

Seeing this piece of skill along with Ronaldo in the centre forward position we expect to see him in this season, it makes you think of how he can link up with Pogba, Greenwood, Rashford and Sancho to create more moments like this, possibly starting tomorrow for his second debut in front of a packed Old Trafford.

Featured Image Credit: Premier League

Topics: Dimitar Berbatov, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Premier League