As Everton look set to extended their six game unbeaten run, it is no coincidence that Gareth Barry’s form has vastly improved to the standard of blocking point-blank shots from Samuel Eto’o less than 45 minutes in his debut.
After a poor second season where many assumed that his place in the side was only as a result of him having a least two members of Martinez’s family as hostages, he has once again risen to be the beautiful man we all know and love.
In recent games Barry has provided defensive masterclasses that have not been mirrored since the days of Claude Makelele. Okay, maybe he hasn’t been that good but he has been playing brilliantly by breaking up attacks, making top quality interceptions and playing jaw-dropping passes. Those aforementioned passes usually go to Gerard Deulofeu, who’s magic, you know.
Recently all the attention has been on Everton’s young stars, so much so that Barry even provided them with a nickname that had previously been given to The Beatles; “The Fab Four”. But it has been performances from the workhorses in the side that has allowed the rise of Everton’s future world-beaters, with Barry being example number one.
He has been assured defensively and has given the attacking players more freedom to express themselves and not worry about any defensive frailties that Everton might have. He has also distributed the ball intelligently and quickly. That’s been one of the many reasons for Everton’s success on the counter.
Overall for Everton to succeed this season they need Barry to continue his good form, as it allows the main men of the side to win games. With the league so wide open, noone knows who will win the league, finish top four or get relegated, if Everton slip up they could finish bottom half for the second season running but a good run of form could see Champions League football at Goodison Park. Wouldn’t that be a treat?
