BAINES. Time to let him loose?

[inertia3112]

after all the creativity and assists from baines this season and before, and given that pienarr may be on his way sooner or later.
Maybe we should play heitinga and jags in defence, push distin out left back(although as a full-back he might get skinned as he probably has the turning circle of a comet) and let baines play as a proper winger.

I havent seen a winger for any team in the english league this season, go on a run like he did today with a proper end product for that goal of beckfords.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

Definitely not, alot of his game is based on intelligent overlapping and linking up with someone infront of him, he wouldn't get that on the wing, and he's not someone you want recieving the ball with his arse to a fullback, which is what Pienaar does alot of the time.

He creates alot of goals from fullback anyway, he doesn't need to be moved anywhere. He is a joy to watch though, easily one of the best fullbacks in European football at the moment.

 

[Alio]

I had this same feeling a few weeks back....but giving it some real thought, he's on fire where he is, don't change it. His delivery and overlapping is so good. That run for the goal gets better and better

It worked for Bale, who wasn't doing well at left back...

 

[chicoazul]

I prefer him at left back mate. We need to worry about the left midfielder like as Pienaar will be going.

 

[faddy the blue]

We can rest Baines in one odd game when on form and play Neville at LB and Coleman on rb. Baines needs some rest. He's working over time.

 

[RFUS]

Getting sick of saying this.

Just like Coleman, he's better as a fullback. His game is all about overlapping, and playing 1-2s. He would be less effective, both offensively and defensively out on the wing.

 

[ijjysmith]

Defo not. He's a left back. And a ruddy good one too. He's a good defender too and we shouldn't forget that. Plus, who would play left back?!

 

[inertia3112]

I agree he's better at overlapping etc WITH PIENARR.
but if theres no pienarr that dynamic will change anyway, but will he be able to strike up the same understanding with someone else?

its an option worth looking into at least.

 

[RFUS]

I agree he's better at overlapping etc WITH PIENARR.
but if theres no pienarr that dynamic will change anyway, but will he be able to strike up the same understanding with someone else?

its an option worth looking into at least.

When Osman played there, he managed to bring Baines into it too. Arteta puts him through sometimes as well.

Pienaar and Baines have an understanding, but it's not some 1 in a million mystical bond. Any other player who could hold a ball up and play through balls, could develop the same understanding with time.

 

[ijjysmith]

There's a few problems with this. A) he's a left back. B) we would need a new left back as distin at left back would be insane and c) if you want distin at left back we will need a new centre back as heitinga is off.

I agree with what people are saying. Baines' strength is the over lap, which would be taken away as a winger.

 

[devinewilliam]

There's a few problems with this. A) he's a left back. B) we would need a new left back as distin at left back would be insane and c) if you want distin at left back we will need a new centre back as heitinga is off.

I agree with what people are saying. Baines' strength is the over lap, which would be taken away as a winger.

He's more or less a winger and one of our best defenders at the same time, mind you, he's no Cashley Cole or Bale, but he get's down that wing every time he can and get's right back.

That run against Chelsea was hands down the best thing i've ever seen from him since we've signed him. Proper class and he should to be in the England team.

 

[spikeman]

Definitely not, alot of his game is based on intelligent overlapping and linking up with someone infront of him, he wouldn't get that on the wing, and he's not someone you want recieving the ball with his arse to a fullback, which is what Pienaar does alot of the time.

He creates alot of goals from fullback anyway, he doesn't need to be moved anywhere. He is a joy to watch though, easily one of the best fullbacks in European football at the moment.

Agree with this. Id also say that he's imo the best left back in the prem league right now. Ashley Cole did nothing in todays game.

 

[somuchfun]

EDIT: Haha should've read the actual post and not just the title.

I love you Leighton!

 

[Neiler]

By far our best player in the last two seasons, beginging to worry the wonga clubs will come in for him he is that good. Only 25 - surpriseing no!

 

[RFUS]

Agree with this. Id also say that he's imo the best left back in the prem league right now. Ashley Cole did nothing in todays game.

I've been of the opinion Baines has been the best for two seasons now, mate.

Evra and Cole are the supposed top dogs, but their assist records pale in comparison to Baines'. And look at their delivery. Evra's is sometimes good, but when does Cole ever put in a great cross?

Defensively, I thought they used to have the edge, but they've both made a load of bad errors this season. Baines meanwhile has been solid in defense.