Bobo v Berisha: striking fear into defenders’ hearts

FORMER Sunderland, Leeds and Sydney FC striker Michael Bridges breaks down the battle between deadly strikers Bobo and Besart Berisha.

FORMER Sunderland, Leeds and Sydney FC striker Michael Bridges breaks down the battle between Bobo and Besart Berisha.

BOBO

If you look at Bobo’s style of play without the ball, you’ll see just how disciplined he is. Graham Arnold clearly has a game plan that he’s been able to get across to Bobo and the Brazilian has actually taken it on - he hasn’t been doing his own thing, unlike a lot of other players. He’s embraced the game plan and works extremely hard to get the ball back with that high pressing game.

Bobo and Besart Berisha could be the difference between glory and failure.

Then there are the goals he’s scored this season. He always hangs around the penalty area — you very rarely see him leave the six yard box. He’s always in that zone — the zone of opportunity — to get the goals because he knows if he can hold a high line against the two central defenders, that he’s got players like Ninkovic, Brosque and Holosko who are always going to put balls into the danger area. All of his goals this season have been in and round that penalty area.

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His positioning is vital. Bobo rarely gets marked in the area — he tries to stand off the defenders, then opens his body side on so he can take that touch and get the goal. He holds up play outside the area, drawing other players in, and when he gets the ball out wide his first reaction is to head straight to the goal mouth. That’s very disciplined, because a lot of strikers like to get the ball, drop in deep and not play the high line, but then find they still have to beat three or four defenders.

BERISHA

The pest. Defenders absolutely hate Berisha when he hasn’t got the ball because he is like a Jack Russell terrier — he nibbles at their feet. Berisha always tries to make it hard for defenders — he never gives them a second to relax on the ball because he’s always looking for options.

What I like about Berisha is he’s a winner. He is so passionate — he’s tasted success with Brisbane, now with Victory, and it hurts him so much when his team loses. A lot of players I’ve played with don’t have that. They’ve got passion for the game, but losing doesn’t always affect them. Not so with Berisha.

Then there’s his defensive role for Victory. The way he closes down players is brilliant and I’m sure Kevin Muscat has added a bit more incentive into that part of his game.

He’s the top goal scorer and scores all kinds of goals. He is a defenders nightmare when he doesn’t have the ball, and when he has got it you can’t take your eye off him for a moment because his movement is fantastic. The way he picks the ball up and runs at players, and he always tries to get the ball away from the defender so he’s got his body between the defender and the ball. He’s got that turn of pace and he’s just so sharp in the area - anything that drops in the area you can guarantee Berisha will be on it.

One of his weaknesses has been his heading, but then in the semi-final what does he do? He pops up and out-jumps three people, including the goalkeeper, to score a goal. He just seems to get better and better. Even if he’s having a quiet game, he always seems to have a say one way or another. He might have one touch all game, but it will be a goal. You just cannot switch off when he’s around.

If there’s a weakness to his game it’s that he’s very vulnerable to being wound up and players know they can get inside his head. I’m sure the Sydney players will be there niggling away, saying things to him and trying to get into his mind as best they can. If you can affect his mental state you’ve got a chance against him. If you can’t, then good luck.

Originally published as Bobo v Berisha: striking fear into defenders’ hearts