Do we like Baines in Mid Field?

[LinekersLegs]

My apologies, a pen against Sunderland and a pass to Naismith saves himself from 2 months of poor performances.

Not cutting him any slack for his injury I see

 

[ijjysmith]

Another example of Martinez trying to be too clever and over complicate things.

Keeping it simple hasnt gone too great either.

 

[Jozzy]

I actually liked it, thought he played well.

Liked the fact Garbutt got to play too.

 

[ThebanksoftheBramleyMoore]

Baines had more movement than the rest of the midfield put together. He could grow into the position but everything is dependant on Garbutt being good enough at left back. Both Garbutt and Baines got a little lost in the game but both could grow into it.

Oviedo?

 

[CahillsCornerFlag]

Liked him there, I think he can grow into the role nicely. Not skinned as often as Barry and played more through balls than Barry has in over a year in one game.

Love through balls me.

 

[Eggs]

....for me, no we don't play Baines in midfield. He's hugely effective from LB. I've seen this lots, particularly in amateur footy where a footballing full back is moved forward but they are no more effective in terms of assists and goals.

Baines is a top drawer LB, you don't move him to play in midfield you build on what he gives you.

 

[Paulie]

Keeping it simple hasnt gone too great either.

It's not the passing I'm talking about though. It's the never playing the same team, or as close to the same team as he can in back to back games and the constant playing players out of position.

Baines in defensive mid? We have 3 or 4 if you include Gibson to play there. Is he trying to keep too many players happy?

 

[applecrumble]

no

 

[mccole]

If it keeps Barry out of the starting XI then yes but really Besic should be next to Barkley/McCarthy

 

[hullefc]

Could see a midfield 3 of Besic, McCarthy and Baines. On Sunday Baines was very instrumental in pressing Newcastle higher up the pitch and we played with a lot more urgency and energy. McCarthy and Kone also showed that a high pressing game an unsettle the opposition. What teams have done to us recently.

Any 3 from Besic Barry McCarthy Baines Barkley in a midfield 3 would be fine with a front 3 of Mirallas Lukaku and Kone. Will be interesting to see whether he persists with it for the Hull game.

 

[catcherintherye]

I think Baines has been sussed out a bit offensively. Also a lot of his ability as a full back relies on him playing with a clever player (ie Peinaar) in front of him.

Going forward I am happy to have Baines further forward. He will pose more threat offensively. His ability to provide crosses and shoot should be utilised better. It might also make us more compact defensively. I also think Garbutt looks a class act and needs to be accommodated.

 

[banno]

Oviedo?

Of course Yes! I basically forgot about him.

 

[ThebanksoftheBramleyMoore]

Of course Yes! I basically forgot about him.

he has been out a while so it's understandable

 

[ToffeeTownMilto]

If it means Garbutt gets a decent run and Barry is nowhere near the starting XI, then I'm all for Baines in midfield.

 

[TrixyStevens]

I thought he looked ok. That ball he played he played for Mirallas goal was sick