Milner's big chance

[Shaelumstash]

Despite the poor spelling and grammar, Nehe is absolutely spot on with the points he is making. Barry was absolutely instrumental to the way we played last year, and those suggesting Milner can come in and do the job as well or better because he's got "better work rate" simply don't understand football at this level.

exactly! how can anyone question Barrys work rate??
i stood and watched with admiration as barry fought for city in so many tricky away games..he had a blinder at ot under hughes when we lost, he worked his bollocks off at norwich last season, at wolves when we were nervy and edgy, barry pulled us through,against utd at home he was tactically briiliant...so many games this man has put his body on the line for city...anyone who doesn,t understand how vital he is to the team can,t possibly know football...really glad he came to city,one of my fav players, a true professional who never hides...and when the big games came around last season he was not found wanting in any of them.

When city beat chelsea 1-0 under mancini two years ago,Barrys performance that day was incredible..the tackling, the discipline, the positioning, the covering..he gives mancini exactly what he is looking for in centre midfield,in bobbys system.thats why he,s first on the team sheet when fit, thats why we are champions.

Barry has never had the consistanty needed in my opinion. Since he has come to the club his passing was always hit and miss. His lack of speed will only get worst cant get around the pitch gives away needless frees. I have never rated him and still dont. Any one can do that role as good or better than Barry. Out of the squad we have I could see Milner , De Jong , Yaya and even Zaba doing that role and doing a good job. We need to get on and move on from Barry at the Champions League level he is found wanting. I was shocked De Jong didnt get as many games last season. I would be more pissed seeing De Jong going if Barry went it wouldnt bother me. We need to be looking at other younger and more dynamic players. I think there are some talented players out there that maybe we should keep a eye on. James McCarthy at Wigan is 1 player we should be keeping a close eye in the coming years he is going to get better and better at Wigan. Look at how Martinez gets them to play McCarthy wouldnt look out of place in the City squad if he progresses this season only 21 a big club will take him from Wigan in the next season or 2.

How long have you been watching football? If you think Zaba could step in to midfield and do as good a job as Barry, I seriously doubt it's been very long. The position Barry plays, the attributes needed are not pace, athleticism and "dynamism" as Lesley would say. The most important attribute in that position is football intelligence, which Barry has more than the others on your list ten fold (with the exception of Yaya)

Reading the game, intercepting the ball, playing the intelligent, early pass, covering for team mates, keeping shape, slowing play down when needed, making intelligent fouls, Barry does all of these things better than anyone at the club in that position. He is absolutely essential to us in the current squad. He's not irreplaceable, there are players out there who could do as good a job, such as Alsonso, Sweinsteiger, De Rossi, but currently at the club he is essential to the way we play.

 

[bzekosilva]

He's just had abdominal surgery he needs a good bloody rest to recover I am sure Milner is very capable of stepping into Barry's boots if need be. Love Barry he calms that midfield down when it starts getting sloppy