Gareth Barry

Polish_Blue_Army · December 20, 2015

marsh said:
You can say that about any player for any team though

Maybe but not in every team such a player is labeled as a key player playing in every game no matter of the performances. Surely not in a team with our aspirations and "phenomenal competition for places".

Or maybe that "key" is that he's on big wages ?

marsh · December 20, 2015

Polish_Blue_Army said:
Maybe but not in every team such a player is labeled as a key player playing in every game no matter of the performances. Surely not in a team with our aspirations and "phenomenal competition for places".

Or maybe that "key" is that he's on big wages ?

You could say the same about Barkley with his misplaced passes etc though

Prevenger17 · December 20, 2015

Polish_Blue_Army said:
Barry makes so many mistakes that it's unbelievable. The difference between him and howard is that not all of them lead to the goal.

Simple example. The corner or free kick for Palace where he was pulling Palace player's shirt in our box right in front of the referee. If he had seen it, it wouldnt be even a draw.

There are lots of bigger and smaller mistakes every game. Saying he is so important for the way we play is like saying that Tim Howard is such a key figure because all our attacks start from him and he is irreplaceable as he's a fantastic passer

Do you hate old people?

RFUS · December 20, 2015

There's a reason his team mates rate him so highly.

He's had a very good season. Not his fault others are making individual, goal-costing errors nor is it his fault that we can't defend set pieces. In fact he's been our best player aerially as he actually knows how to attack a ball in the air.

And this notion of Barry being a static hindrance that needs protecting needs to be binned. He's slow, yes, but a few games ago I saw a statistic saying he had covered more ground than any other player in the Prem. His footballing brain makes up for his lack of pace 95% of the time.

Bob Elstone · December 20, 2015

Theres not enough leaders on the pitch. The team is young and show inexperience throwing away leads.

Maybe the recruitment of an older experienced pro alongside the kids would help eradicate the stupid goals that are costing us.

Prevenger17 · December 20, 2015

RFUS said:
There's a reason his team mates rate him so highly.

He's had a very good season. Not his fault others are making individual, goal-costing errors nor is it his fault that we can't defend set pieces. In fact he's been our best player aerially as he actually knows how to attack a ball in the air.

And this notion of Barry being a static hindrance that needs protecting needs to be binned. He's slow, yes, but a few games ago I saw a statistic saying he had covered more ground than any other player in the Prem. His footballing brain makes up for his lack of pace 95% of the time.

Yup. People seem to be lumping him in with Howard because of his age, but it's ludicrous to suggest that he needs to be dropped. One of our better players this season, though I do fear late season burnout if he isn't given the odd bit of time off.

mkrudden · December 20, 2015

So is he to blame or not?

I'm scanning threads to find the scapegoat and it seems there is a range...

Perhaps we just aren't that good?

Dithering Dougie · December 21, 2015

mkrudden said:
So is he to blame or not?

I'm scanning threads to find the scapegoat and it seems there is a range...

Perhaps we just aren't that good?

Sadly Howard again it seems mate.

Sooner Osman gets back the better....

Polish_Blue_Army · December 21, 2015

marsh said:
You could say the same about Barkley with his misplaced passes etc though

But he scores goals and provides assists.

marsh · December 21, 2015

Polish_Blue_Army said:
But he scores goals and provides assists.

Barry offers himself for the ball off all our defenders.. More than our other centre mids.. Links up our play.. Hits a good tackle now n again.. Oh and he assisted Roms goal the other week haha

toffeejack · December 21, 2015

Bob Elstone said:
Theres not enough leaders on the pitch. The team is young and show inexperience throwing away leads.

Maybe the recruitment of an older experienced pro alongside the kids would help eradicate the stupid goals that are costing us.

it's the only reason i see martinez's viewpoint on sticking with howard.

Polish_Blue_Army · December 21, 2015

marsh said:
Barry offers himself for the ball off all our defenders.. More than our other centre mids.. Links up our play.. Hits a good tackle now n again.. Oh and he assisted Roms goal the other week haha

If barry played like this when he was here on loan would he ever got a contract ? I doubt it. He was offered 3 year deal because he WAS sensational and really made a difference

marsh · December 21, 2015

Polish_Blue_Army said:
If barry played like this when he was here on loan would he ever got a contract ? I doubt it. He was offered 3 year deal because he WAS sensational and really made a difference

This season hes played well i think.

Mrk · December 21, 2015

RFUS said:
There's a reason his team mates rate him so highly.

He's had a very good season. Not his fault others are making individual, goal-costing errors nor is it his fault that we can't defend set pieces. In fact he's been our best player aerially as he actually knows how to attack a ball in the air.

And this notion of Barry being a static hindrance that needs protecting needs to be binned. He's slow, yes, but a few games ago I saw a statistic saying he had covered more ground than any other player in the Prem. His footballing brain makes up for his lack of pace 95% of the time.

Indeed. He's always been slow too so it's not like he's had to change his game to adapt.