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These 33 comments are related to an article called:

Gareth Barry appreciation society

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posted on 24/9/12

With Wilshere out, Barry-Carrick is England's best pairing for me. But as long as Gerrard is captain it wont happen.

comment by Xiu (U6109)

posted on 25/9/12

I think Barry is that typical English type player you all love in England but we just don't know how to appreciate in the rest of Europe. He has no real skill, just a good shot and positioning. In a team with such wonderful midfielders I don't see what the City fans see in him.

comment by b4fun (U11023)

posted on 25/9/12

"Not the sole reason why our form is in a slight rut, but a big miss in my opinion."
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I'm not convinced that Barry is that important.

What damaged City dominance in the recent matches was the poor form of the attacking players, most critically of Silva, Nasri, Aguero (injury), (and even Tevez in his last 2-3 games). Especially Silva and Nasri, they are the main City players for keeping possession and creativity, along with Yaya. But without them, Yaya is just a great box-to-box midfielder with great shots, yet cannot help the possession.

What make City an average team, not an awesome team of the last season, is the lack of attacking fluidity and ball possession with skills, the coherent passing between front players (Aguero/Tevez/Silva/Nasri/Yaya and the DM). It's also a question to the manager about coaching, gameplay, motivatiting.

However, I agree the role of Barry and NDJ in the current poor performance of City's defence. Barry/NDJ helped the defence a lot by "active" tackles and aggressiveness from midfield, to slow down and break the opponent attacks, giving time to Kompany/Lescott to cover the space/positions... Rodwell and Garcia, though good on the ball, haven't gel to do that. Opponents could pass through the City midfield quite fast and easily, whereas City defence generally is not good against pressure (even last season).

Madrid's and Arsenal's passing play really dominated City midfield and the area in front of the back four, creating so many shooting chances.

comment by X (U4074)

posted on 25/9/12

xiuxiuejar - everything about your posts suggests not only are you not that familiar with English football, but you knowledge of football in the rest of Europe is pretty appalling too.

For those that doubt Barry, you should give the article in the link below a read through x

http://www.eplindex.com/7125/increasing-importance-gareth-barry.html

posted on 25/9/12

Thanks Gareth.

posted on 25/9/12

He just ogged.

posted on 14/2/13



Everyone has a stinker at some time i suppose.

comment by MBL. (U6305)

posted on 14/2/13

He now has the same amount of own goals this season as vidic.

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