Gareth Barry's successor...

[Papa Shango]

If Besic is able to get over his injury I love the thought of a midfield pairing of Besic and Gana.

Both two footed, both get about the pitch well and can offer something further forward as they both have an eye for a pass.

Big if obviously.

 

[Bagpuss]

Just no to Wilshire, even if he would come up North wouldn't want him. Over-rated, injury prone and a massive bell - 3 no's right there.

 

[Papa Shango]

Just no to Wilshire, even if he would come up North wouldn't want him. Over-rated, injury prone and a massive bell - 3 no's right there.

He is also one of the most ill disciplined players I have ever seen positional wise.

I have never "got" him.

 

[Neiler]

Always injured/not consistent enough though?

I think he has had his injuries but he was out of the side before Poch came in, played since and was suspended early season just back last week.

The stats of Kanes goals with/without him in the team are staggering. Also Spurs results.

 

[Prevenger17]

He is also one of the most ill disciplined players I have ever seen positional wise.

I have never "got" him.

Anyone seriously suggesting Wilshire needs to put their head in an electric wobbling machine

 

[Ashtonian]

what about kante?

chelsea will get bored of him before too long when he isn't what they expect, so we sign him. what is better than one gueye protecting the defence? Two of them!

 

[Prevenger17]

what about kante?

chelsea will get bored of him before too long when he isn't what they expect, so we sign him. what is better than one gueye protecting the defence? Two of them!

Not sure, Kante is a ball winner, and can certainly pick a pass, but it wouldn't strike me as a balanced midfield. Barry has great long ball distribution, is calm, and doesn't really have to win many tackles because of his positioning. I think he upsets other team's attacks purely based on his ability to be in good places. It's a hard thing to replace.

 

[Ashtonian]

Not sure, Kante is a ball winner, and can certainly pick a pass, but it wouldn't strike me as a balanced midfield. Barry has great long ball distribution, is calm, and doesn't really have to win many tackles because of his positioning. I think he upsets other team's attacks purely based on his ability to be in good places. It's a hard thing to replace.

probably not then. Didn't watch much of kante last season so was just a fifa esq suggestion haha

 

[Prevenger17]

probably not then. Didn't watch much of kante last season so was just a fifa esq suggestion haha

Don't get me wrong, Kante is a cracking player, but he's not a like-for-like replacement for Jawline. We're already firmly sorted out in the tireless ball winner department imo

 

[Tel001]

I know this might sound controversial but I wouldn't be surprised if Koeman long term sees Barkley playing this position.

Not too sure if Barkley would be keen on the idea.

I would be very serprised... seeing Barry is all about using inteligence, Ross has the IQ of a rocking horse

 

[We've got Samuel Eto'o]

Baines is the answer in a year maybe ! ..Frees up left back for Galloway or Garbutt and saves his legs ..

 

[blue to the bone]

Baines is the answer in a year maybe ! ..Frees up left back for Galloway or Garbutt and saves his legs ..

Cant see garbutt playin for us again

 

[Boss_Blue]

And the winner for ill thought out username of 2014 goes to...

Baines is the answer in a year maybe ! ..Frees up left back for Galloway or Garbutt and saves his legs ..

 

[Jack1882]

I think he has had his injuries but he was out of the side before Poch came in, played since and was suspended early season just back last week.

The stats of Kanes goals with/without him in the team are staggering. Also Spurs results.

Yeah Dembele doesn't have any consistency problem, he's our most important player. Our win rate with and without him is telling... I always worry when we don't have him and we have struggled to find the right way to play without him.

Unfortunately he does pick up niggling injuries through the season which is a problem for us. Love him though, I really do feel he is the most underrated player in the Premier League. He dominates the midfield in any game he plays.

 

[Barnfred 55]

Baines is the answer in a year maybe ! ..Frees up left back for Galloway or Garbutt and saves his legs ..

I'm hoping that Liam Walsh will be the long term solution but I'm not even sure he's made his debut for the first XI yet. Plus the problem with Barry is that he's quite a unique player and it's probable that we need to replace him with a slightly different type of player.

Leighton Baines may be a good shout for a short term option. His distribution is very good and he has the experience. Defensively I think he's been excellent this season and his pressing in tandem with Barry has been very effective. I wouldn't mind giving him the odd game there this year to give GB a rest (not against one of the top teams though). He can't do any worse than Clev in that role.