12 Feb 2026 01:31:48
The problem is that Barry is just not a very good footballer. He is poor at heading the boot up field, almost always losing out. When the ball does go to him his first touch is abysmal, almost always (maybe always) the ball runs away from him and he loses possession. He is not very good running with the ball, I haven't seen any evidence that he can dribble with the ball. He constantly seems to be slightly behind the ball when crosses come in. I don't see him shooting from distance very much if at all.
Even if we ignore al those negatives the major problem as I see it is he is mentally slow to react.
Yesterday was a good example, react quickly and the ball is in the back of the net. As it happens the defender was much faster to react. throwing his body in the way of the shot.
Barry will get a few goals, some will be good ones but they will be fewer than we need and even though he is relatively young I can see no reason how or why he has the basic technical or mental ability to get to the level required in the Premiership.
12 Feb 2026 06:49:43
It feels like another poor recruitment at the end of the day.
Loads of clubs are looking for a striker so I appreciate it’s a tough market but I can’t remember the last time we raided Spain, France, Italy or another European country and found a decent striker. We’ve done better looking in Championship or other prem clubs.
How come the likes of Brentford and Bournemouth seem to recruit decent players from abroad and we don’t always puzzles me. I wouldn’t say we were that bad a prospect for players to join so how come we always seem to pick mediocre strikers?
12 Feb 2026 07:30:02
200% agree.
12 Feb 2026 10:07:26
Not a single thing you have said there that isn't on the mark Mike. Solid analysis.