As he continues to chug his way toward his 600th Premier League appearance, it would appear that the time is right for a critical reappraisal of all things Gareth Barry.
Considered by many as a solid/mediocre defensive midfielder, Barry found himself being lauded as one of the greatest ever English players by Everton manager Roberto Martinez after last night’s 2-1 first leg win over Man City in the Capital One Cup semis.
Barry put in a firmly decent shift which was topped off by a the delivery of a lovely cross to lay on Romelu Lukaku’s winning goal, which all left the usually collected Martinez positively brimming with hyperbole while praising his 34-year-old captain.
Speaking to the press after the game, Martinez – in almost Keegan-esque fashion – let it all gush out all over the place:
I have never seen a player with such an incredible professionalism as Gareth Barry.
Gareth is one of those players who gets underrated.
The reason we have so many developing young players is there are leaders in the mould of Gareth Barry. It is no coincidence when we have Gareth Barry around them.
For me, he is one of the best English players ever.
Strong words.
To be fair, we understand what Bob is digging at. Barry is a very good English midfielder – the kind you’d only probably fully appreciate if you played alongside. It’s hard for fans to get overly excited about good positioning, tactical discipline, consistency, experienced nous, composure and the reading and nullifying of opponents.
He was also the second Premier League player to pass the 200-kilometre milestone in terms of distance covered this season, just behind Bournemouth’s Andrew Surman (who is five years Barry’s junior). Both players took 17 games to break the barrier, Barry took 18 minutes longer.
He has his flaws, sure, but the man is a thoroughly consummate footballer. Not flashy or dynamic (at least since his early days at Aston Villa), but very good at his job.
After all, you don’t make it to 600 Premier League appearances and win over 50 international caps by accident, now do you?