How brilliant McCarthy was.....Barry was found out against Palace at home last season when McCarthy wasn't there and we looked great in the home derby when Barry went to left back and McCarthy and Barkley dominated. Barry has only started looking passable again because Besic's form has gone up getting closer to McCarthy's ridiculous levels. Barry is a complete passenger and a utility cover player at best.
Nah not for me mate. I don't think one player can make another look
that good.
Barry was very, very good last year. His lack of pace was internationally found out against Ozil 5 years ago, so it's not an age associated issue - he's just not very mobile.
What he is good for though is taking the ball from the keeper and centre-halves and distributing calmly and effectively. He also shows for the ball more than any other member of the team which shows his willingness to take responsibility.
The reason he looks so good next to McCarthy is that the ginger nutter does all of the harrassing, the chasing and once he's obtained it he quickly gets the ball to Barry who, again, distributes brilliantly (when in form of course, which he hasnt been). They both have specific skills and roles and together complement each other very well. Besic is a great, raw option but he dallies in possession sometimes and offensively is pretty inept. I've said before and i'll say again - in the final third he is pretty useless, but that's ok as he's a prospect who will no doubt improve these aspects of his game. Barry does have the eye for a switch or a reverse pass.
Anyway, all opinions matey, i just think it's very harsh to say that all of Barry's qualities are based on others. He's not quick, but he's our best passer of the ball by a mile.
lol