Leon Barnett

[Clint 221]

Come on down.......he has to play against Arsenal doesn''t he?

[Trent Canary 0]

[quote user="Clint"]Come on down.......he has to play against Arsenal doesn''t he?

[/quote]Seem to recall he was scapegoat of the week during the early parts of the season. Multiple errors and penalties conceded. Do not think he is the saviour.For me I would start with Russell Martin at CB as a stop-gap if Whitbread and/or Ayala are not fit before the end of the season (Cant remember if they are)

[Clint 221]

I would also play Martin at centre back but I suspect Drury will be out so he will be needed at right back (assuming Naughton plays on the left).Our defense with Barnett in wasn''t great but it wasn''t as shambolic as in recent weeks.  You know what you get with Barnett, at least he will put in a tackle!

[militantcanary 0]

If crockbread is still out I would reluctantly agree

As Naughton will have to LB, Martin RB

Ruddy

Naughton Barnett Bennett Martin

Surman Howson Johnson/Fox Pilkington

Wes

Holt

Subs Ward, Steer, Fox/Johnson, E Bennett, Wilbraham, Jackson, Lappin

[GJP 79]

Think Leon has been treated very harshly (without knowing what has been going on behind the scenes). He made one or two mistakes but he didn''t turn in any shocking performances like Bennett and Ward did yesterday.

 

Look back at the away game at Anfield, Leon and R Martin battled for everything. Yesterday Bennett looked well out of his depth and Ward was guilty of some extremely poor defending.

 

I really struggle to see what Leon Barnett did so wrong to have been frozen out like this when Ryan Bennett and Elliott Ward have been giving away numerous soft goals lately.

 

 

[Trent Canary 0]

[quote user="Clint"]I would also play Martin at centre back but I suspect Drury will be out so he will be needed at right back (assuming Naughton plays on the left).Our defense with Barnett in wasn''t great but it wasn''t as shambolic as in recent weeks.  You know what you get with Barnett, at least he will put in a tackle![/quote]True, he certainly gets about. I guess I am still haunted by the amount of penalties conceded (Doesnt that seem like a long time ago?!) and the constant mistakes in defence. Forgot about Drury, imagine Martin will go to full back in that case. And yes, I guess Barnett is worth a game. Assuming Lambert is not already planning to get rid.

[Trent Canary 0]

[quote user="GJP"]

 (without knowing what has been going on behind the scenes).

 [/quote]

Key point. In amongst the Ward, Holt/Morison, Hoolahan selection debates - None of us know what takes place in training, none of us know what affect they have in the dressing room.

However I disagree with wondering what he did wrong - For all the posts about Ward yesterday there were several about Barnett in the first half of the season

I found this - http://services.pinkun.com/forums/pinkun/cs/forums/2644088/ShowPost.aspx - Seems I didnt think he was too bad, so in that case I will agree with you both!

[basil brush 0]

Our centre backs have been a major problem all season. For some reason, Lambert seems to rate Ward higher than most of us. I don''t think any of our centre backs have shown they are consistently good enough for The Premiership, although Bennett has potential that will hopefully be realised.

I''d like us to spend £3/4/5M on a decent centre back who is good enough to carry whoever they are partnered with. Someone with experience, who can help a younger player, such as Bennett.

I don''t see much future for Barnett, unless we have problem attracting the right man next season. I have no major gripe with him, he''s just mediocre like the rest.

Next season will be harder and if that means paying a bit extra to get the right person, so be it.

[Boyo 0]

I would like to think Ward will be dropped and Barnett will come in and take his place but Lambert really seems to like Ward so I don''t know.

 

Anyone is better than Ward at the moment so its worth a go.

[Boris 62]

I belive PL already decided Barnett future and with not incl him even on bench last weeks I not see when now we are math safe to try to play with him again/Arsenal seems not in form but after non win last 3-4 they must be focused to end the job and secured 3rd place with good win over us/I have some woire all this pathetic goals what effect can do it on Ryan Bennet ...No doubt both Ward and Bennet look very fragile adn we was lucky to loose only 0-3 from pool but I belive Barnett is already out from PL plans and no doubt will not be here on summer.

[GJP 79]

[quote user="basil brush"] For some reason, Lambert seems to rate Ward higher than most of us. [/quote]

Here''s what it boils down to...

 

Take the game at home to Wolves, in that match Ward was absolutely brilliant defensively. He won loads and loads of headers, tackles and blocks.

 

But...

 

All most fans could talk about after the game was how he misplaced 3 or 4 passes in the first half and as such he was rubbish, apparently.

 

 

Paul Lambert, unlike many fans, can see the big picture.