Gareth Barry

Saint Domingo · February 23, 2016

dead_soft said:
Been in the top flight for 18 full seasons and only played less than 30 games once. Average over 40 games a season in all competitions. He might be fit but he is unbelievably slow

Fixed it for you. Agree fully.

Eggs · February 23, 2016

Saint Domingo said:
Scholes Gerrard Lampard and a whole host of top class players retired earlier. Maybe Barry was better than all of them though, or.....

....I think the area of the pitch he plays helps Barrie. I appreciate he covers some miles but remember that Carsley rarely missed a game in there.

Saint Domingo · February 23, 2016

Eggs said:
....I think the area of the pitch he plays helps Barrie. I appreciate he covers some miles but remember that Carsley rarely missed a game in there.

Not quick or physical enough to play in the premier league now. If we sold him no other side in the top ten would take him. Our midfield is based around his limitations. Creative wide players to cover for his lack of creativity, hyper mobile defensive partners to cover for his inability to pressure the ball, Barkley having to play advanced to cover the collective lack of goals in the midfield.

He was arguably a short term cover for Gibson who lets be honest was a cheap replacement for Arteta, a deep lying creative midfielder who could dictate play. The fact he is still in the first team now is not due to his 'high' standards but more the failing of Martinez to address this position in the squad in all of the transfer windows so far.

LinekersLegs · February 23, 2016

Saint Domingo said:
Not quick or physical enough to play in the premier league now. If we sold him no other side in the top ten would take him. Our midfield is based around his limitations. Creative wide players to cover for his lack of creativity, hyper mobile defensive partners to cover for his inability to pressure the ball, Barkley having to play advanced to cover the collective lack of goals in the midfield.

He was arguably a short term cover for Gibson who lets be honest was a cheap replacement for Arteta, a deep lying creative midfielder who could dictate play. The fact he is still in the first team now is not due to his 'high' standards but more the failing of Martinez to address this position in the squad in all of the transfer windows so far.

Yet games like the weekend against an energetic Bournmouth prove that he can, his afternoon consisted of two interceptions, three chances created (including a delightful flicked assist for Lukaku), most passes (80), most tackles (10) and so much more.

McCarthy, Barkley, Lennon, Cleverley combined only did 12 tackles.

Saint Domingo · February 23, 2016

LinekersLegs said:
Yet games like the weekend against an energetic Bournmouth prove that he can, his afternoon consisted of two interceptions, three chances created (including a delightful flicked assist for Lukaku), most passes (80), most tackles (10) and so much more.

McCarthy, Barkley, Lennon, Cleverley combined only did 12 tackles.

Ignoring the reverse game v Bournemout where our midfield parted like the Red Sea for them? Barry makes a lot of tackles on the edge of our box because he retreats that far back to cover for his lack of pace. Players like Besic and McCarthy can pressurise higher up the pitch because they don't live in fear of the ball behind them.

LinekersLegs · February 23, 2016

Saint Domingo said:
Ignoring the reverse game v Bournemout where our midfield parted like the Red Sea for them? Barry makes a lot of tackles on the edge of our box because he retreats that far back to cover for his lack of pace. Players like Besic and McCarthy can pressurise higher up the pitch because they don't live in fear of the ball behind them.

But even if his tackles were exclusively at the edge of the box, which I don't believe they are as he gets about the pitch a lot more than you are giving him credit for, isn't the important thing that his is making such a lot of them?

Ideally of course he would have superb pace as well but not having it has probably lead to him having a better reading of the game and his hamstrings not twanging on a regular basis.

hetion · February 23, 2016

My favourite thing about this forum is @LinekersLegs patiently and consistently piping down clueless chiefs like @Saint Domingo. What a saint.

Barry is boss and - more importantly - fits our team like a glove.

Carlito · February 23, 2016

Barry is a good player who generally plays well within himself, but I think he's the reason Everton concede midfield most weeks.

The Esk · February 23, 2016

hetion said:
My favourite thing about this forum is @LinekersLegs patiently and consistently piping down clueless chiefs like @Saint Domingo. What a saint.

Barry is boss and - more importantly - fits our team like a glove.

Can you keep the personal comments to yourself thank you.

Eggs · February 23, 2016

Saint Domingo said:
Not quick or physical enough to play in the premier league now. If we sold him no other side in the top ten would take him. Our midfield is based around his limitations. Creative wide players to cover for his lack of creativity, hyper mobile defensive partners to cover for his inability to pressure the ball, Barkley having to play advanced to cover the collective lack of goals in the midfield.

He was arguably a short term cover for Gibson who lets be honest was a cheap replacement for Arteta, a deep lying creative midfielder who could dictate play. The fact he is still in the first team now is not due to his 'high' standards but more the failing of Martinez to address this position in the squad in all of the transfer windows so far.

....generally that type 'get it and give it', they go under the radar but are highly effective.

sageyefc · February 23, 2016

Been are most consistent player, cant have had more than 2 or 3 poor games this season

strummer · February 23, 2016

Outstanding this season as he was in his 1st. I can see him moving in to the back 4 when the inevitable sale of Stones happens and playing until his late 30's

hetion · February 23, 2016

The Esk said:
Can you keep the personal comments to yourself thank you.

Was meant to read more lighthearted than it did. Point taken.

daz4matty · February 23, 2016

Carlito said:
Barry is a good player who generally plays well within himself, but I think he's the reason Everton concede midfield most weeks.

Barry has been boss this season mate.
The tactics are the reason we concede the midfield at times.
Barry does so much clearing up we would be even further down the table without him

streeky · February 23, 2016

Gaz is in the top 3 for player of the year so far for me, his play and the way he conducts himself have been beyond reproach, kick on gaz lad and push ross all the way for player of the year.