ruiz+ berbatov = match made in heaven.

[Slaphead in Qatar]

These two link up very well. This could be a very exciting season.

[Chrisg3]

Ruiz is now starting to show why we paid so much for him - brilliant

[Crede15]

Ruiz is just a totally different player this year. He could always do well when he had space but the difference this year is his control. Last year if he was under pressure it was almost an automatic giveaway; this year I just expect him to keep the ball. Looks much stronger, more composed, etc.

[fulhamben]

ruiz is class class class

[PaulJ123]

his control in a confined space has improved hugely, must be getting lessons from Berba!

[ron]

Ruiz's strength on the ball (and his ability to push 2 opponents away while holding possession) was one of the few positive points that McManaman made about us on the FirstRow commentary. I particularly liked the way he was pinching the ball off opponents as well.

[GoldCoastWhite]

They have scary potential in tandem, and Kaka and "Mick" Dejagah look very promising too  :scarf:

[ron]

.....and of course Berbatov always seems to have twice as much time as anyone else...the ultimate sign of class.

[fulhampa23]

He wins tackles, headers, challenges every ball and wins, a whole new player, dare I say Dembele like in shrugging people off. And the way he spins out of tackles, just amazing. Hard to believe this is the same player from last season.

Ladies and gentlemen, Bryan Ruiz has arrived

[Mr Fulham]

seven assists for Ruiz, and five goals for Berbs. two absolute stars.

[NogoodBoyo]

In terms of powerful combinations, we should look at how many goals and gold-plated chances have come from the Kacatov/Berbalinik partnership too.
They are quite a handful today.  Kaca's downward headed goal from Berba's cross was very impressive given the distance from goal.
Nogood "adding youth to experience, isit" Boyo

[fulhamben]

In terms of powerful combinations, we should look at how many goals and gold-plated chances have come from the Kacatov/Berbalinik partnership too.
They are quite a handful today.  Kaca's downward headed goal from Berba's cross was very impressive given the distance from goal.
Nogood "adding youth to experience, isit" Boyo

yep ive seen top strikers not be able to head a ball like that

[The Rock]

I believe I started a thread that got quickly lost to this effect when Ruiz came on and changed the game with his play with berbatov against Southampton. I am not surprised and think it lasts. We are every bit as good as arsenal.

[Bryanthebroom]

If only he'd squared it to berba instead of taking that shot on. 2-4 and could have been a different story. Then again, same goes about those two completely soft goals we let in at the start. We dominated arsenal away at the emirates for long spells today - now who would have said we'd ever do that two seasons ago???

[NogoodBoyo]

We certainly are a very exciting side to watch if one can be mensch enough to handle the defensive heart attacks.
Nogood "as long as we keep picking up points, I'll go with it with gusto, isit" Boyo
P.S.  Bryanthebroom.  He learned from that and played a lovely through ball later to put Berba in on goal.  Berba was just a tad slow getting there.  Still, no complaints from me

[PeterB]

Ruiz has the ball control of Dembele but is a much better passer

[DUKE]

he was also enjoying himself. his body language is much better. he is becoming one of my favorites now.

[The King]

General consensus on a football forum I frequent is that they're the classiest partnership in the PL, possibly in the world. Nice to get recognition and all that.

[YankeeJim]

In terms of powerful combinations, we should look at how many goals and gold-plated chances have come from the Kacatov/Berbalinik partnership too.
They are quite a handful today.  Kaca's downward headed goal from Berba's cross was very impressive given the distance from goal.
Nogood "adding youth to experience, isit" Boyo

Did you see the smile on Berba's face after Super K scored? Seems as if he has taken the lad under his wing. I said it on another thread, this year is going to be fun.

[Max Headroom]

And no one is mentioning Frei!!!!! :)