Gareth Barry

jtl60 · January 25, 2016

I've noticed he has cut out the stupid bookings recently as well. Goes to show you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Not suggesting hes a dog.

Zatara · January 25, 2016

Without McCarthy or Besic next to him Man City will have a field day (now ive said that i hope he puts in a MOTM performance).

Osamabindiesel · January 25, 2016

Zatara said:
Without McCarthy or Besic next to him Man City will have a field day (now ive said that i hope he puts in a MOTM performance).

He has been hot and cold against City. Hopefully he replicates that cup match with another assist in the 2nd leg.

DualityNSNO · January 25, 2016

jtl60 said:
I've noticed he has cut out the stupid bookings recently as well. Goes to show you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Not suggesting hes a dog.

He always got carded when he absolutely needed to be making necessary fouls to stop opposition play, rarely for a tackle out of place, to his credit.

Osamabindiesel · January 25, 2016

DualityNSNO said:
He always got carded when he absolutely needed to be making necessary fouls to stop opposition play, rarely for a tackle out of place, to his credit.

He definitely saved us on plenty of occasions, but he did tend to make unnecessary challenges. He has definitely been better with that as of late.

Goat · January 25, 2016

DualityNSNO said:
He always got carded when he absolutely needed to be making necessary fouls to stop opposition play, rarely for a tackle out of place, to his credit.

Its what DMs do, they take 1 for the team.

DualityNSNO · January 25, 2016

Osamabindiesel said:
He definitely saved us on plenty of occasions, but he did tend to make unnecessary challenges. He has definitely been better with that as of late.

Could be because he lost a yard of pace (imo) in the last year or so tbh. No longer quick enough so has to rely on actually reading the game to stop attacks etc.

He's gotten away with a few cards this season for doing his usual tricks though, somehow.

Osamabindiesel · January 25, 2016

DualityNSNO said:
Could be because he lost a yard of pace (imo) in the last year or so tbh. No longer quick enough so has to rely on actually reading the game to stop attacks etc.

He's gotten away with a few cards this season for doing his usual tricks though, somehow.

Yeah. I definitely think his pace is responsible most of his bad challenges. Some teams will give him trouble specifically for that reason, but I am glad he is at least improving at positioning himself to make tackles.

ToffeeDoug · January 25, 2016

This was meant to be the season that he was going to be used more sparingly, as RM had said he was played much more often last season than planned. Yet he has been largely fantastic.

Not having Besic tomorrow night could be a big blow, Barry's game and legs are not suited to chasing Silva's shadow around the pitch.

Barry is one of the few players we have who understands the importance of a snide yellow to prevent opposition breakaways cavalry charging through our midfield. Not exactly the beautiful game I grant you but it helps win you matches.

diggerdestroyer · January 27, 2016

Their goal tonight is a perfect example why I feel Barry isn't doing his main job this season. Time and time again he is out of position. When the opposition has it for a period of time he gets himself in position and has done a good job it's when we lose the ball up top Barry is too far forward is too slow to get back. The opposition target this hole between beens and midfield. Tonight silva was goal side of Barry and won the ball. Barry should have been goal side and the danger was nil. Our main problem apart from individual mistakes. Obviously goes unnoticed by manager

LinekersLegs · January 27, 2016

diggerdestroyer said:
Their goal tonight is a perfect example why I feel Barry isn't doing his main job this season. Time and time again he is out of position. When the opposition has it for a period of time he gets himself in position and has done a good job it's when we lose the ball up top Barry is too far forward is too slow to get back. The opposition target this hole between beens and midfield. Tonight silva was goal side of Barry and won the ball. Barry should have been goal side and the danger was nil. Our main problem apart from individual mistakes. Obviously goes unnoticed by manager

Disagree that it is a 'time and again" problem although he can get caught out occasionally against pacy opponents especially with the number of games he's had. However even if it was a major problem who would you play in his stead?

Besic/McCarthy can't stay fit which leaves Gibson as the only other naturally defensively minded midfielder

Chang Elephant · January 27, 2016

diggerdestroyer said:
Their goal tonight is a perfect example why I feel Barry isn't doing his main job this season. Time and time again he is out of position. When the opposition has it for a period of time he gets himself in position and has done a good job it's when we lose the ball up top Barry is too far forward is too slow to get back. The opposition target this hole between beens and midfield. Tonight silva was goal side of Barry and won the ball. Barry should have been goal side and the danger was nil. Our main problem apart from individual mistakes. Obviously goes unnoticed by manager

Expecting a 35 year old midfielder to cover the defence is the mindset of a manager that needs sacking

diggerdestroyer · January 27, 2016

LinekersLegs said:
Disagree that it is a 'time and again" problem although he can get caught out occasionally against pacy opponents especially with the number of games he's had. However even if it was a major problem who would you play in his stead?

Besic/McCarthy can't stay fit which leaves Gibson as the only other naturally dfensively minded midfielder

No not saying he's a poor player I just reckon Martinez has him playing too far forward when we have the ball. Hold midfield if u too slow to get back. An under 10 manager would suss that.

rochdaleblue · January 27, 2016

I honestly think Barry is one of the few players who can hold his head up high and who has played decently in the last few weeks. As has been mentioned, he was going to be used more sparingly this season, but injuries have prevented that.

LouReedwalkonthewildside · January 27, 2016

rochdaleblue said:
I honestly think Barry is one of the few players who can hold his head up high and who has played decently in the last few weeks. As has been mentioned, he was going to be used more sparingly this season, but injuries have prevented that.

Played well for most of this season.