SPOTTERS BADGE CLIVE

Last updated : 24 November 2003 By Editor
In his Grauniad column, Atkinson has praised the Brazilian
midfielder:

‘We've seen very little of Kleberson since he moved to
England, but the Brazilian showed against Blackburn what a
bright and versatile player he could be for Manchester
United. The quality of United's passing for an hour was as
good as I've seen from them this season, especially the one-
and two-touch stuff, and Kleberson had a major role in that.

‘I was surprised by Kleberson's role. He's been talked about
as a holding midfielder and in the World Cup he played more
or less as an inside-right. Brazil used Cafu as a wing-back
on the right and he would be one inside. I expect he'll be
used in a variety of positions by United. He was so bright
on Saturday that Blackburn couldn't lay a glove on him.

‘There was always a spare man and Kleberson was quick at
picking out whoever was unmarked, even under pressure. He's
like Paul Scholes in that regard. Kleberson's role is one
United tried Juan Sebastian Veron in and Veron played it
very differently. He often tried to hit spectacular long
balls. His success rate was pretty decent on a good day, but
Kleberson plays shorter and sharper.’