Baines's reduced role

[Steve Wigan]

But after Mirallas' selfishness, Martinez should have nipped it in the bud in my opinion.

I think it was(but all we can do is hazard a reasonable guess) Baines was out, Lukaku scored, so effectually he was 'in possession' so he took the next one and scored again. After the Mirallas nonsense I thought the player should have been bollocked by Roberto, and I think it probably happened. Personally I wanted Mirallas out of the club, and still do, although its probably happening anyway. The fact that its happened behind closed doors, if its happened at all, means that all you can get from supporters is conjecture. Not much doubt now though, that Lukaku is designated penalty taker, until he misses, at least.

 

[daz4matty]

At least baines has come out today and said things are not good enough.
The guy cares and loves this club

 

[LinekersLegs]

@DTguardian: Hodgson saying here that Leighton Baines will be excused from Italy game and Ryan Bertrand is coming into squad.

 

[The Esk]

@DTguardian: Hodgson saying here that Leighton Baines will be excused from Italy game and Ryan Bertrand is coming into squad.

Agreed with EFC beforehand - he looked good going forward tonight albeit against pretty poor opposition.

 

[LinekersLegs]

Agreed with EFC beforehand - he looked good going forward tonight albeit against pretty poor opposition.

Agree, he seems to be building a good partnership with Delph as well.

 

[Groucho]

Having a reduced role is the natural order of things.

Keeps him and his talent in the squad and ready to call on, while the likes of Garbutt gradually displace him but still learn from him.

I personally think we're seeing a transition back to old fashioned wing backs, and have done for a while since Baines and Pienaar appeared to have an ESP-level of understanding.

 

[Alex Hindmarsh]

Good display from our Leighton last night. People rave on about Clyne, and rightly so, but Baines was streets ahead of him last night.

 

[Timak]

Good display from our Leighton last night. People rave on about Clyne, and rightly so, but Baines was streets ahead of him last night.

More assists in 29 games this season than Shaw, Bertrand and Gibbs have in their entire careers combined (280 games)

 

[Alex Hindmarsh]

More assists in 29 games this season than Shaw, Bertrand and Gibbs have in their entire careers combined (280 games)

YEAH BUT LAD HE'S PAST IT, DROP HIM FOR GARBUTT.

 

[PhilM]

More assists in 29 games this season than Shaw, Bertrand and Gibbs have in their entire careers combined (280 games)

Baines doesn't fit the medial mould and therefore he'll never get the accolades or spotlight he deserves.

Still, that probably doesn't bother Leighton knowing his personality traits.

 

[Joey66]

YEAH BUT LAD HE'S PAST IT, DROP HIM FOR GARBUTT.

Play them both with Baines left side an middle in midfield!
Garbutt has proved to be a good enough left back with a great cross -Baines can dribble shoot,and work hard something KM has not done this season!

 

[dannyboy]

Having a reduced role is the natural order of things.

Keeps him and his talent in the squad and ready to call on, while the likes of Garbutt gradually displace him but still learn from him.

I personally think we're seeing a transition back to old fashioned wing backs, and have done for a while since Baines and Pienaar appeared to have an ESP-level of understanding.[/QUOUTE\]

If Baines is happy playing a reduced role then that's brilliant of us. I'm excited by Garbutt, he really does look like the Baines of a couple of years ago. There's a real spring in his step.

The sooner we get him blooded the better IMO.

 

[summerisle]

Career in telly awaits
http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/9779057/leighton-baines-masterclass