Bryan Oviedo

[catcherintherye]

Garbutt: looks the part, athletic player, puts a decent cross in. Downside: positionally all over the place (admittedly it comes with experience) and his time on loan looks to have been a disaster for his development (or maybe, just maybe, Fulham cant see the Emperor's new clothes?).

In that LB berth: I've seen enough this season to persuade me that Oviedo and Galloway are the most solid we have at the club. Galloway though might be fast tracked into CB duty if Stones goes. If that comes to pass I'd rather we went out and bought again rather than settle down into Oviedo/Baines next season. I think Bertrand is a type we should go for. Defensively sound and builds his game on that foundation.

I think Bertrand would be a very Liverpool signing really. Decent player but Southampton would understandably want top money for a solid player.

Galloway will only be 4th choice centre half (if Stones goes we'll sign one in). People seem to be critical of Garbutt but from what I've heard he's doing on in a poor Fulham side. Oviedo is settling in well and we have Baines. It would seem odd to me to add another player in that position as we seem very well covered there.

 

[LinekersLegs]

3 more years, YESSSS

 

[davek]

I think Bertrand would be a very Liverpool signing really. Decent player but Southampton would understandably want top money for a solid player.

Galloway will only be 4th choice centre half (if Stones goes we'll sign one in). People seem to be critical of Garbutt but from what I've heard he's doing on in a poor Fulham side. Oviedo is settling in well and we have Baines. It would seem odd to me to add another player in that position as we seem very well covered there.

Enough bodies there yes. But I'd only trust one at the moment. Maybe it's the amount of goals we've conceded this season, but my emphasis is on defensive solidity rather than tasking FBs to get high up the pitch. That's the prism I'm viewing defensive selection through at the moment.

 

[Boss_Blue]

Bryan is love.

Bryan is life.

 

[Deco]

Brilliant player and deserves more luck with injuries - definitely worth a new contract and I can't imagine him being on big money.

 

[jackyboy]

Give him another contract you swines.

 

[Rupert's Tower]

I think this love affair a lot of fans have with Baines needs reigning in a bit, he's been bang average since he's come back and at 31 he's not getting any younger. We have this tendency to hang on to players for far too long at Everton, Tim Howard is a good example of that. Is Baines going to be first choice when he's 35 just because he was good in his 20s? Really hope RM goes ahead and tries him out in midfield as he suggested he would because I don't think he's good enough to be automatic choice any more, not when Bryan's in the form he's in, that's before you throw Galloway and Garbutt into the mix

 

[Eric Djemba-Djemba]

I think this love affair a lot of fans have with Baines needs reigning in a bit, he's been bang average since he's come back and at 31 he's not getting any younger. We have this tendency to hang on to players for far too long at Everton, Tim Howard is a good example of that. Is Baines going to be first choice when he's 35 just because he was good in his 20s? Really hope RM goes ahead and tries him out in midfield as he suggested he would because I don't think he's good enough to be automatic choice any more, not when Bryan's in the form he's in, that's before you throw Galloway and Garbutt into the mix

Disagree that some need to reign in their 'love affair' with Baines. Most just appreciate him because he's been quality for the best part of the last 9 years being the best LB in the country for quite a period of time.

 

[sageyefc]

Boss the oviedos

 

[catcherintherye]

Enough bodies there yes. But I'd only trust one at the moment. Maybe it's the amount of goals we've conceded this season, but my emphasis is on defensive solidity rather than tasking FBs to get high up the pitch. That's the prism I'm viewing defensive selection through at the moment.

That is understandable. Southampton paid 12 million for Bertrand and I imagine would want significantly more than that to sell. For me that isn't a priority.

 

[davek]

That is understandable. Southampton paid 12 million for Bertrand and I imagine would want significantly more than that to sell. For me that isn't a priority.

Oh yeah, I agree. Bertrand type I said though.

 

[BlueToff]

Garbutt: looks the part, athletic player, puts a decent cross in. Downside: positionally all over the place (admittedly it comes with experience) and his time on loan looks to have been a disaster for his development (or maybe, just maybe, Fulham cant see the Emperor's new clothes?).

In that LB berth: I've seen enough this season to persuade me that Oviedo and Galloway are the most solid we have at the club. Galloway though might be fast tracked into CB duty if Stones goes. If that comes to pass I'd rather we went out and bought again rather than settle down into Oviedo/Baines next season. I think Bertrand is a type we should go for. Defensively sound and builds his game on that foundation.

On Garbutt: Agree on his positioning, but like you said that comes with experience. And he did have that bad injury which kept him out until December. Fulham have struggled and he's struggled to get in the side. Over the top to say it's been a disaster, but obviously it's not exactly gone to planned.

On Left Back: We definitely do not need another left back for next season Dave, sorry. Oviedo and Baines are absolutely fine and Baines is still a top player, while Oviedo can definitely be very good for us if he stays fit. If Stones goes, we'll get a replacement in as well, unless RM feels Holgate is ready.

 

[catcherintherye]

Oh yeah, I agree. Bertrand type I said though.

Well thats Oviedo then isn't it mate

 

[davek]

On Garbutt: Agree on his positioning, but like you said that comes with experience. And he did have that bad injury which kept him out until December. Fulham have struggled and he's struggled to get in the side. Over the top to say it's been a disaster, but obviously it's not exactly gone to planned.

On Left Back: We definitely do not need another left back for next season Dave, sorry. Oviedo and Baines are absolutely fine and Baines is still a top player, while Oviedo can definitely be very good for us if he stays fit. If Stones goes, we'll get a replacement in as well, unless RM feels Holgate is ready.

Baines: I'm not sure he's ever got over Moyes leaving. I've never had the impression he's comfortable under the Martinez regime.

It actually may have been best for him and us if he'd been allowed his United move. All things come to an end, and if we could get cash now I'd take it and reinvest in that position...either that or show some faith in Garbutt and use the cash elsewhere.

I keep coming back to it, but I think the Baines shout is pure sentiment these days and bears hardly any relation to what's best for us with the way this team is set up and plays.

 

[BlueToff]

Baines: I'm not sure he's ever got over Moyes leaving. I've never had the impression he's comfortable under the Martinez regime.

It actually may have been best for him and us if he'd been allowed his United move. All things come to an end, and if we could get cash now I'd take it and reinvest in that position...either that or show some faith in Garbutt and use the cash elsewhere.

I keep coming back to it, but I think the Baines shout is pure sentiment these days and bears hardly any relation to what's best for us with the way this team is set up and plays.

He may not be a guaranteed starter now, which is good really as it means that he'll have to perform at his best to get back in.

He was excellent against Spurs, City (lg cup at home), Chelsea and City (lg away) in January. He's been out for a long time and I'm glad oviedo is being given a chance as well.

No need to get rid, we need players like him around and he's still one of the best full backs in the league.

You make some good points but it always just seems to be one extreme to the other haha, maybe just get a balance?

I can't agree re. the point about Martinez's system. The issue for Baines is that he has never been a player who could do it all on his own. He needs somebody to link up with. The worst thing for Baines has been the decline of/injuries to Pienaar - who we haven't replaced.

Cleverley looks to have filled that role a bit lately and it's seen Oviedo and Baines both flourish/look back to their best when they've played.