2017/18 Leighton Baines

[Albro]

Would have been easy for him to thrash it at goal after getting Niasse's cross and missing, he had the awareness and calmness to set Gueye up.

This. Baines still oozes class and since returning from injury has been one of our most solid performers.

We need a replacement and a new starting left back, that much is obvious. Where Baines is willing to play more of a role as back up, he is needed at the club.

Plenty to get rid of before we try move him on.

 

[Prevenger17]

He's showing his age for sure, but LB certainly not the most urgent squad problem that needs to be addressed. I don't look forward to the day when this excellent, loyal player is jeered out of the club by the growing Geordie contingent in our fans

 

[diggerdestroyer]

If the likes of baines and jags are starting next season we will not finish higher than this season. 8th.

They have been fantastic players for the club but are not at the top of their game anymore. Unfortunatly everton as a club are slow to move players who are past it on. Osman. Hibbert. Howard etc. 2 or 3 seasons too long.

But they could have a role in the squad. Not in the starting 11.

 

[diggerdestroyer]

He's showing his age for sure, but LB certainly not the most urgent squad problem that needs to be addressed. I don't look forward to the day when this excellent, loyal player is jeered out of the club by the growing Geordie contingent in our fans

Yes we have turned into a fickle lot alright. But it obivious the like of baines is on the downward. He would still make a fantastic left back in italy but the premiership top teams are too quick for him. He is not the worst either but if we have notions of top 6 (top 4 seems to have been dismissed in 1 year) he is not a starter.

 

[TheBlueGibbon]

He's showing his age for sure, but LB certainly not the most urgent squad problem that needs to be addressed. I don't look forward to the day when this excellent, loyal player is jeered out of the club by the growing Geordie contingent in our fans

Have to disagree with that, getting a new LB had to be one of the priorities this window. Not because of Baines' ability diminishing, bit because we don't want to be in a situation next season where we end up with Cuco at left back again if Baines gets injured.
Of course this depends on whether or not the new manager thinks Robinson or another youth team player can make the step up next year.

 

[davek]

Another manager coming in for Baines and Jagielka to work on destabilising.

Get shut, Marco.

 

[BlueStevie35]

Could be bull, but linked to a move to LA Galaxy by the banned rag on a free

 

[Saint Domingo]

Has been a class player for us but has come from the same school of Jagielka mentality surrounding big games and actually winning anything. Has looked ok coming back from injury this season but if we want to move forward as a team he’s not the answer offensively or defensively.

Not sure why he went from one of the best crossers in the league to a really poor one but that’s Everton for you.

If him and Rooney both move on in the summer it would be a promising start that the days of sentimentality and us acting as a retirement home are over.

 

[chrismpw]

Could be bull, but linked to a move to LA Galaxy by the banned rag on a free

The rag that the club doesn't give info to, and which dreams up all kinds of turd every day to sell copy? That rag which by its popularity alone is a damning indictment on the British population?

It's a stick of lettuce when you wanted pudding mate.

 

[sageyefc]

Just need to bin of jags and Williams now

 

[Saint Domingo]

Just need to bin of jags and Williams now

And Bolasie, and Schneiderlin, and Martina, and Mirallas.

 

[mahermi1]

Baines has been a fantastic servant of this club, if it's true goes with all my best wishes. Left back will now become a priority signing and with Baines turning 33, should be anyway.

 

[MACCA75]

Why on earth would we let Baines go? We need another left back as it is, why put ourselves in a position where we need 2? He’s easily good enough as a squad player - and likely starter.

 

[BlueToff]

Why on earth would we let Baines go? We need another left back as it is, why put ourselves in a position where we need 2? He’s easily good enough as a squad player - and likely starter.

If it's a case of him wanting to go then so be it - but even in that instance I'd like us to say to him to wait until Jan.

That gives whoever the new left-back may be time to settle - a bit like Robertson with the RS - and allows us to have the insurance of Baines there if needed.

Stupid to be letting him leave.

 

[jackyboy]

He should not be starting.