Gareth Barry

[mitchell1996]

in 13/14 everybody knew how boss he was and we were all buzzing he signed for us, then after a shyte season last year in which he had to play virtually every game in all comps people aren't realising how good he has been for us this year, deulofeu lukaku and barkley wouldn't be having the seasons they are without this fella, believe me

 

[Dithering Dougie]

Is that a joke? Toure is lazy defensively but absolutely not immobile in attack. Likewise Fernando and Fernandinho can get round the park very easily. United in Herrera and Schneiderlin have two quick strong players. Schweinsteiger not so much but he is quicker than Barry and younger. Lucas Henderson and Milner have little football ability but the one thing they can do well is run around like rabid dogs. Magic? Seriously? He physically dominated almost every game last season and has pace and power in abundance.

You cannot win consistently at the top level if you are not mobile enough as a team to win the ball back. The combination of Barry's lack of pace with Del, Barkley and Kone slacking off defensively meant we could do nothing to stop Bounemouths pressure.

I'm at a loss now @Saint Domingo as to what teams you think Barry shouldn't be playing against.

In the past you've said he should be playing against the likes of Utd, Chelsea, City etc etc the top teams and not against the mid to lower level clubs. Now it looks like you're saying he shouldn't be playing against these clubs either.

 

[mkrudden]

So what are you talking about here, mobility with the ball or without it? Are you worried about players taking the ball off Barry or are you worried about how Barry can dominate opponents?

Do I worry about Barry against Milner, Henderson and Lucas?! Absolutely not. We have McCarthy and Barkley in there providing mobility. Lucas is a snail mate so no idea where you're getting this 'runs round like a rabid dog' from.

Herrara barely plays. Schneiderlin is mobile but plays Barry's position for the opposition, how many times is that going to be a realistic duel?

Matic....pace?! Get in the bin mate. He reads the game brilliantly which actually makes up for the fact he is moves like he's in quicksand. His whole game is based on getting it and giving it. When does he ever drive with the ball into the masses?! He does the exact same job as Barry.

You're thinking of the Toure of 2 seasons ago mate. Without the ball he's about as immobile as it comes. Completely uninterested. Fernando and Fernandinho are sat on top of their two centre backs offering protection 9 times out of 10.

Going back to my original point, what are you worried about? As far as I can see there is only Tottenham in this league that press high with agile, athletic centre midfielders that would and have put Barry under pressure. I don't see another team who is going to risk coming on to us when the two centre halves split and Barry goes and collects. No team has done that to us this season APART from Spurs.

So I ask again, a)what are you worried about b) name the teams that you think will press GB high up the pitch where he does most of his work starting attacks?

No edit feature so just made this quick tweak.

over to you @Saint Domingo

 

[Chang Elephant]

Do I worry about Barry against Milner, Henderson and Lucas?! Absolutely not

I worry about our tippy tappy possession for the sake of it football being torn to shreds by carthorses that run fast and press, like it was at Anfield in the 4 nil

 

[TippEverton]

Just never took to him as a player, awful display from him tonight.

 

[n01efc]

I thought he was brilliant tonight before he let the palace goal scorer go unmarked for a header, however Howard could have come for the ball.

 

[TrixyStevens]

Shyte tonight and could start a trend for the rest of his season. McCarthy and Besic/Cleverley from now on IMO.

 

[ilikecheese]

Shyte tonight and could start a trend for the rest of his season. McCarthy and Besic/Cleverley from now on IMO.

lol

 

[TrixyStevens]

lol

Enlighten me then.

 

[sageyefc]

Another excellent display, only fault was the corner

 

[Verbal Kint]

Amazing how people here judge Barry, either hate him or admire him. No doubt he tired towards the end but thought he was good overall. He is such a clever player and really undervalued.

 

[Eggs]

.....thought he was ok but I'm not sure in the logic of allocating him to mark a CB at corners. The 2 CBs were dominant in the air and I'd be asking Kone or Lukaku to do a job back there.

 

[Stephenlloyd]

I thought he was brilliant tonight before he let the palace goal scorer go unmarked for a header, however Howard could have come for the ball.

I wouldn't say he was brilliant
Had a solid game but did nearly cost us at the end when he bottled out of 2 50/50's

Why do we lose so many 50/50
It like we try to nick the ball instead of making sure they don't win it

 

[john jako]

Played well considering two mistakes he made. Always willing to have the ball in any position. He was always going to get found out for pace from the counter attacking palace.

 

[flibbyflob]

Had a good season so far but tonight he was at fault for the goal and was lucky to not give away a penalty. Guess we all have off days though and hope he is back on it on Saturday.