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Dimitar Berbatov Compares Romelu Lukaku To Andres Iniesta And Xavi

Dimitar Berbatov Compares Romelu Lukaku To Andres Iniesta And Xavi

The former Manchester United striker has been impressed with the Belgian's adaptability in recent games for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Romelu Lukaku might have had a lot of poor reaction from his own fans in recent times but former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has clearly been impressed with the forward's adaptability under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Pretty much everyone at Old Trafford has been involved in the upturn of fortunes at Manchester United since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over as interim manager in December, something that may turn to permanent manager in the summer.

Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford might be the most obvious choices for improvement in the team but from defence all the way to the strikers there has certainly been a change, David de Gea hardly needed to get better but even he put in an incredible performance against Spurs.

The two players who have probably seen the least upturn in fortunes are Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku, the two forwards have struggled to find much form even since Jose Mourinho left.

On Wednesday night Lukaku scored twice, as United beat Crystal Palace 3-1, and looked back on form. The Belgian has often been used out wide right, with Marcus Rashford central, or as a split front two with Rashford.

The ability to change position and role has certainly impressed Dimitar Berbatov with the former Manchester United striker writing in his Betfair column:

"I like Romelu Lukaku and he's earned a place in the first XI. He's worked hard to be in the first team, you could see it in his game at Selhurst Park last night. The two goals he scored, the runs he made, the passion in his performance all showed to me that he had a place in the team. I would like to see him start against Southampton because he has earned it.

"And don't make the mistake of thinking he has to play central. In modern football many teams play with three upfront and that trio can switch positions and confuse the opposition. Lukaku is capable of using the space really well when he drifts left or right and has made a few assists from those positions. The ball Lukaku played for Lingard against Liverpool, there aren't many players who can make that pass. It was like watching Xavi or Iniesta! Lukaku is not one-dimensional like some people assume."

Lukaku scores his second of the night. Image: PA Images
Lukaku scores his second of the night. Image: PA Images

It's certainly one of the more out there comparisons that we've seen, with the former Everton striker being compared to Barcelona midfield legendary pairing Iniesta and Xavi.

Certainly Lukaku is starting to look back in form in the last couple of games and with Rashford expected to be back fit at the weekend the two could pair up again.

We aren't sure Lukaku will be dropping into central midfield anytime soon though, no matter how bad United's injuries get.

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Topics: Xavi, Football News, Manchester United, Dimitar Berbatov, Andres Iniesta, Premier League, Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Crystal Palace