The Baines midfield dilemma

Robertor · December 13, 2014

Its been a number of months now since the stories came out about Martinez taking Leighton Baines to Old Trafford to watch Phillip Lahm play after being converted into a holding midfielder. With the recent promising performances of Luke Garbutt is it finally time to make the move of converting Leighton into centre midfield?

I think he can definitely play there, he has a fantastic left foot as we all know, he has the natural fitness and the energy to get up and down the pitch because he does it down the left hand side every game. What excites me most about this concept is that Baines has shown glimpses of his vision on the left hand side, for example the pass to Lukaku for Naismith's goal against Arsenal last season, he'd be able to utilise this ability to the full with more time and space to become a proper deep lying playmaker like the job that Lahm does, aswell as having the experience and know-how to help Luke Garbutt out at left back by dropping back.

So is it time to experiment especially with Barry being suspended for the QPR game on Monday?

emb · December 13, 2014

By the powers of cheese on toast, travel back in time to not get woefully knocked out of the League Cup and use that to experiment with our options.

Baines' left foot · December 13, 2014

I'd like to see him have a go in midfield. There's no harm in trying.

Brennan · December 13, 2014

Nope.

We already have too many midfielders for those two positions as it is. I'd rather try Barkley or Besic there when the chance arises instead of forcing a left back into the role.

Garbutt will get opportunities, no point in rushing it. Baines is still one of the best fullbacks around.

chicoazul · December 13, 2014

I can't believe just what Garbutt has done to you all.

Dithering Dougie · December 13, 2014

It's not a good idea to move the countries best leftback to a completely alien position because it once worked for probably the best team in the world with a player who's already shown he's capable of being effctive in a number of postions.

Let him carry on being great where he has been for the last 6-7 years.

BlueLlama · December 13, 2014

Its not a dilemma is it?

Leave the best LB in the country in his natural position

Boss_Blue · December 13, 2014

I'd like to see us try it but just not yet.

Pre season and early League Cup matches to see how it goes.

Definitely not in the league.

Eric Djemba-Djemba · December 13, 2014

There isn't a dilemma. Play him at left back in his best position.

chicoazul · December 13, 2014

I hope Garbutt turns out utter tripe so you all learn a harsh lesson.

I'm talking to you BAWK.

L4Everton · December 13, 2014

Eric Djemba-Djemba said:
There isn't a dilemma. Play him at left back in his best position.

Come on down, the price is right.

RalphDring · December 13, 2014

I would like a cheese on Garbutt option please
I agree with keeping Baines at left back, Garbutt will get chances and with his crossing ability there's no harm trying him playing further forward.

peteblue · December 13, 2014

We should try Robles in midfield because he's bleeding useless in goal........

dubfade · December 13, 2014

RalphDring said:
I would like a cheese on Garbutt option please
I agree with keeping Baines at left back, Garbutt will get chances and with his crossing ability there's no harm trying him playing further forward.

I'm surprised not more have suggested this. I could've sworn that he played LM when on loan at Colchester or somewhere. Also grabbed a couple of goals from there if I remember correctly