What do you call a Gareth Barry without a fat arse?

[john2710]

He has the stature and ability to play that role, more so than Herd who for me is more of a defender & less of a footballer.  He needs to be given time to learn the role, Barry played for years before switching to a central role. It's unrealistic and unfair to compare him with Barry, who looked a class apart from day one.

You need the right blend of players  to complement each other ie...
Ireland, Petrov & Clarke
Bannan, Delph / Gardener & Herd. 

[SoccerHQ]

Clark is potentially really good although I must admit I thought it would be at centre back. He might still get through there but at the moment he has to be in central midfield as he's more composed on the ball than Herd.

Another player you wonder why he hasn't been playing more this season. At least the penny is dropping with the manager now, if we keep Carlos, Clark and Ireland in the team, we'll play better football and win more games in the second half of the season.

[PeterWithesShin]

My dilemma is i'm thinking of bringing in either Clark or Ireland into my fantasy team. Clark is 4.7m but is down as a defender which means a goal is more points than if he was a defender and can also score points for a clean sheet. Or Ireland who is 5.6m but possibly more likely to get goals/assists? And is it likely they will be given a run in the team?
I'm swaying towards Clark as he's cheaper and has the added bonus of a clean sheet bonus.

[midnite]

I referred to Clark as a potential world beater on here a week or so ago. That may turn out to  be an exaggeration but what a result for our Academy. They have unearthed a gem.

A midfield of Clark, Herd, Gardner, Albrighton, Bannan. That's not a bad Academy turnout.

Quite. Has a team brought through so many youngsters at the same time since united with beckham, scoles, giggs etc?

[Irish villain]

I agree with most of the posts on this thread.

All I care to add is that in addition to all those qualities, he is also a threat in the air from set pieces. He's just a great player to have.

[Toronto Villa]

Like others I have a lot of time for the kids coming through. If Clark became as good a player as Barry then we have a heck of prospect on our hands. He's taken is latest chance really well and it's added an incredible balance to the midfield and has breathed new life into Stan Petrov at the same time.

[KevinGage]

I agree with most of the posts on this thread.

All I care to add is that in addition to all those qualities, he is also a threat in the air from set pieces. He's just a great player to have.

And helps us defend them.

Most of us were fearing a battering at Stoke because of our inability to defend set pieces over the past 18 months.

Clark  (and Cuellar)  have played a big part in making us look more secure in that facet of the game too. And it is, afterall, a big part of English football.

[Irish villain]

Indeed Kevin, meant to add that to my post. It's no coincidence results and performances have improved since he came into the side.

[Mister E]

I agree with most of the posts on this thread.

All I care to add is that in addition to all those qualities, he is also a threat in the air from set pieces. He's just a great player to have.

And helps us defend them.

Which was AM's reason for fielding Emule; so, playing Clark is a double benefit for us! - he defends well and removes the need to play Emule!

He and Herd as the CMF pairing would be absolutely ideal when both have got more experience. Both have poise, composure and physique.

[Somniloquism]

I agree with most of the posts on this thread.

All I care to add is that in addition to all those qualities, he is also a threat in the air from set pieces. He's just a great player to have.

And helps us defend them.

Which was AM's reason for fielding Emule; so, playing Clark is a double benefit for us! - he defends well and removes the need to play Emule!

He and Herd as the CMF pairing would be absolutely ideal when both have got more experience. Both have poise, composure and physique.

Don't forget GG. He isn't exactly weedy either and has scored quite a few with his head so should be useful at set pieces as well.

[Mister E]

I agree with most of the posts on this thread.

All I care to add is that in addition to all those qualities, he is also a threat in the air from set pieces. He's just a great player to have.

And helps us defend them.

Which was AM's reason for fielding Emule; so, playing Clark is a double benefit for us! - he defends well and removes the need to play Emule!

He and Herd as the CMF pairing would be absolutely ideal when both have got more experience. Both have poise, composure and physique.

Don't forget GG. He isn't exactly weedy either and has scored quite a few with his head so should be useful at set pieces as well.

True, true.

[TheSandman]

I've liked him since he broke through. The best thing about Clark is that wherever he plays; centre back, central midfield or left back he always manages to play well. He really is a hugely versatile player. Secondly, and it's been mentioned before on this thread is the way he plays the game. You see plenty of guys who are Clark's size who are so clumsy but he looks effortless in the pass which is quite unusual for a centre half. He truly is an outstanding prospect for either midfield or defence.

[dave.woodhall]

I've liked him since he broke through. The best thing about Clark is that wherever he plays; centre back, central midfield or left back he always manages to play well. He really is a hugely versatile player. Secondly, and it's been mentioned before on this thread is the way he plays the game. You see plenty of guys who are Clark's size who are so clumsy but he looks effortless in the pass which is quite unusual for a centre half. He truly is an outstanding prospect for either midfield or defence.

I hope we don't do a  Barry and stick him everywhere for years before we find his best position. Find where he's best and keep him there.

[Shrek]

Clark and Gardner should be given 5 year contracts right now.

[steffo]

Clark is a 'football player' rather than a 'footballer'.

There are loads of footballers but not a lot of football players. That is the difference.