Do we like Baines in Mid Field?

[Furey1878]

He plays good forward/creative passes in midfield, not entirely sure about whether we should stick to it or not, though.

 

[hktoffee]

Probably not the right time to play him in midfield as we are struggling at the moment.

 

[Big Dunc 9]

Keep him left back and Coleman right back.
get them both bombing forward and frighten teams again!!!!

Baines is not midfield.

 

[daz4matty]

Probably not the right time to play him in midfield as we are struggling at the moment.

We need as much stabiliy as we can get now so leave him at left back i agree.

 

[RalphDring]

I think with Garbutt showing he has the ability to start at left back maybe Baines will be given a good run. He will probably do really well, it's worked before for Everton, Ian Snodin, who granted went from midfield to RB and Neil McDonald spring to mind.

 

[Rook]

If it means less Barry yes.

 

[Zatara]

Garbutt left back
Oviedo left wing
Baines left central mid

= chances for Lukaku.

 

[RyanGordon]

I would like him holding with McCarthy in a 4231. Moves the ball quicker than Barry and sees a pass, obviously presses better too. Would give Garbutt a run at LB. If not, play Besic or move Barkley back one with McCarthy.

I wouldn't play him LM though, we badly need a new winger and there's no getting away from it.

 

[Carlito]

Baines' passing in there has already convinced me that the rest of the 'midfielders' should have their wages halved.

The difference in quality is frankly embarrassing.

 

[The Esk]

Keep him left back and Coleman right back.
get them both bombing forward and frighten teams again!!!!

Baines is not midfield.

Problem is with our defensive frailties in the centre and our main holding man Barry hopelessly out of form we cannot allow Baines and Coleman to go bombing forwards. This has been our whole problem all season.

At least with Baines in a free role in midfield we will get some intelligent running and one or two incisive passes to Lukaku or Mirellas running on

 

[1878doyle]

I would like him holding with McCarthy in a 4231. Moves the ball quicker than Barry and sees a pass, obviously presses better too. Would give Garbutt a run at LB. If not, play Besic or move Barkley back one with McCarthy.

I wouldn't play him LM though, we badly need a new winger and there's no getting away from it.

Am not for Baines in midfield but that sounds like a good bit of balance in the side. We lack natural width, your shout puts that in the side with Coleman an Mirallas on the other with Naismith playing off Lukaku

 

[Saint Domingo]

Garbutt left back
Oviedo left wing
Baines left central mid,

= chances for Lukaku.

Sounds a bit like Moyes' infamous 6 defenders in one team. I've never like Oviedo on the wing, he is a class left back, as is Baines. In a time when our defense is all over the shop it might be good for one of our best left backs to actually be playing left back.

 

[hullefc]

I would definitely play him in midfield either alongside Besic or McCarthy or in a 3 with Besic, McCarthy and Baines. From what I saw at Newcastle first half him and McCarthy provided a lot of energy and urgency to our play same against Hull when he moved into midfield.

Baines is a good footballer who has a football brain and moves into space to receive the ball, quicker than others.

 

[kenada_blue]

Meh.

I think he's only in there because of his energy. He bombs everywhere.

I just don't think he's good enough when surrounded by opposition players. Especially if its as a defensive type.

Think the idea of Ovideo and Baines on the wing/wingback is a better idea.

 

[Big Dunc 9]

Problem is with our defensive frailties in the centre and our main holding man Barry hopelessly out of form we cannot allow Baines and Coleman to go bombing forwards. This has been our whole problem all season.

At least with Baines in a free role in midfield we will get some intelligent running and one or two incisive passes to Lukaku or Mirellas running on

I see your point. But to rely on a player who plays left back for club and country to all of a sudden do a job in midfield is wrong in my opinion. And if he plays that position in training, it's not the same as a match.