Is it just me or has the Gareth Barry will-he-or-won’t-he move to Liverpool been not only tedious, but also entirely pointless?
Sure, Barry is a very skilful and industrious footballer, and links up brilliantly with Stevie G whilst on international duty with England, but in my opinion the Reds already have an embarrassment of riches in terms of of top-class central midfielders. There’s obviously Captain Fantastic Gerrard, who is irreplaceable and gets better every season; then there’s the fiery Argentinian Javier Mascherano who is constantly hot on the heels of any player who dares to come near him. The Brazilian Lucas Leiva has also impressed during his debut season at Anfield, and will only get better and grow in experience. And last, but certainly not least, is Xabi Alonso, and if Benitez dares sell him to the Gooners then I will personally hunt him down and hold him at gunpoint until he changes his mind. Such is my faith in Alonso, who has not only performed consistently brilliant in his four seasons at Anfield, but has also been a true professional, making the headlines for all the right reasons ( half-way line goal against Luton and Newcastle, anyone?). Xabi is as good, if not better, than Barry, and if he is sold, then I will sadly miss the vociferous chants of ‘Xabi Alonso’ resounding around the Kop as he delivers yet another outsanding performance. The Gareth Barry Saga has spoilt Liverpool’s pre-season preparations, which was clearly evident last night when the Reds struggled to a draw against lowly opponents Standard Liege in the Champions League Qualifying Stages. Thankfully, however, this saga seems to have drawn to a belated close. At long last.
Earlier tonight Gareth Barry starred for Aston Villa in a 4-1 UEFA Cup Qualifying tie victory against Icelandic opposition FH Hafnarfjordur. Crucially, this means that Barry cannot figure for any other club in Europe due to the fact that he is cup-tied. Benitez would have used Barry in a key role in Europe had he signed the player, therefore the fact that Barry can no longer play in Europe for another club all but ends Rafa’s interest in the player. Halleluiah!
Not only does this save Benitez a hell of a lot of money (£18 million in fact), but it also gives him the opportunity to sign another player before our Premier League campaign begins, or at least before the end of the transfer window. A player who would make a much bigger impact than Barry. A player who would both score and set up goals. A player who would deliver us the title. Joe Cole anyone…
Gruffudd Owen
