Presuming we sign Barry

[Marky]

Im surprised nobody has mentioned the fact that Barry will probably be taking our set pieces which allows Stevie (a great header of the ball) a bit of freedom in attacking the delivery

That would be great.
Barry is great at taking set pieces.
The current players are **** at them

[Elvis]

And no more midfielders.....

A 5 of:


------------Gerrard

Babel - Mascher - Barry - Kuyt


Is not getting beat very often. Very solid.

We weren't beat very often this season....Problem is, draws ain't enough any more.

[Roboklopp]

Aye

[Rich]

I'm sure we'll get Barry but why didn't we grab him a couple of years ago - we'd have got him for about £5m back then.

[Roboklopp]

We had the best MF in the world then tho, but we've lost half of it now.

[-V-]

If Barry is signed i would assume that Alonso is a goner

Rafa will player:

.................Torres

Babel.........Gerrard............Kuyt

............Barry.....Mascher

Dossena...Agger.......Carra.....Degan(Arbeloa)

.......................Reina


Also he will use-


...........Babel........Torres
Barry.......Gerrard....Mascher......Kuyt(???)
Dossena....Agger......Carra.......Degan
.......................Reina

Bottom line is that Barry will def improve us. He is a very good player who can do it all. Good crosser, Good passer, Goal-scorer, Creater. Set-piece taker etc etc. Their is alot to his game and i will be happy if we sign him.

You only have to look at the fantasy premier League game. Every season the midfielders who get the most points (based on performaces, assists and goals) on it are Ronaldo, Gerrard, Fabregas, Barry and Bentley

[Shaggy]

As has been pointed out by several others, I will only be happy to sign Barry provided he'll be used in central midfield. If he's being bought to play anywhere on the left I will be mortified.

[Rich]

As has been pointed out by several others, I will only be happy to sign Barry provided he'll be used in central midfield. If he's being bought to play anywhere on the left I will be mortified.

Agreed - should only be used on the left in extreme circumstances.

A central three of Barry, Mascherano and Gerrard would take some stopping.

[Joe King]

Agreed - should only be used on the left in extreme circumstances.

A central three of Barry, Mascherano and Gerrard would take some stopping.

It would be a very tenacious midfield full of aggression, leadership and great skill.

[Roboklopp]

Indeed, but we would lose rhythm & guile sans Xabi.

[Shaggy]

Indeed, but we would lose rhythm & guile sans Xabi.

Despite Xabi being a deposed former favourite player of mine, and still up there, I think Barry would actually improve our rhythm and add guile.

He keeps play ticking over very nicely; he spots a pass early and is technically sound enough to be able to move it first-time with accuracy. He's also got an eye for an opening so I don't think we'd have any problems there.

Xabi is, for me, a more talented footballer but Barry has outperformed him domestically for a couple of years and he'll improve us IMO.

[MrMichael]

Despite Xabi being a deposed former favourite player of mine, and still up there, I think Barry would actually improve our rhythm and add guile.

He keeps play ticking over very nicely; he spots a pass early and is technically sound enough to be able to move it first-time with accuracy. He's also got an eye for an opening so I don't think we'd have any problems there.

Xabi is, for me, a more talented footballer but Barry has outperformed him domestically for a couple of years and he'll improve us IMO.

Nail on head

[Roboklopp]

Quite possibly mate, but I think people underestimate the effects on injury this season on xabi's performance. It's really disrupted him.

As has been said tho, still looking forward to you shifting your name to ShaggyBarry.

[Scratch]

Quite possibly mate, but I think people underestimate the effects on injury this season on xabi's performance. It's really disrupted him.

As has been said tho, still looking forward to you shifting your name to ShaggyBarry.

But what affected his performances in the seasons after his first one with us? Apart from the fact that opposition players learved to close him down and deny him space?

[Roboklopp]

Would say his form in the other non-debut seasons was far better than people remember TBH.

I know these things are only a small part, but didnt the opta stats have him as one of the best MFs in the Prem over them seasons?