Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: richardhubbard on September 23, 2010, 10:20:14 AM
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I have been really impressed with him in games I have seen him play being the blackburn and Rapid Vienna .
He is very small but has bundles of talent and I think he can make it in central midfield or on the left.
What do you think?
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He's too small to make it in central midfield, I think.
He was getting out muscled there last night, and it wasn't till he was switched wide that he started getting some joy - lots of it.
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No, not good enough, but will do okay at a lower level (see also Peter Whittingham)
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Easily good enough, easily. He's very small though, probably too small. I think he'll make a decent Premier League player, not sure if it'll be for us though.
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With his size, he needs to be BRILLIANT to make it - see Zola. If he has just moderate ability for PL level, his lack of physicality will count against him and he'll end up a Championship player.
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To soon to tell im afraid, the short answer is yes he can BUT the long more realistic answer is only if he is willing to adapt his game hit the gym alittle harder and become so technically gifted that even if a 7ft brute hacks at him bhe can just evade it and distribute the ball clinically(see cesc) he is faced with bannans problem and so is ireland so im sure he will learn his way around it, I loved alan wright our beloved pocket sized left back lol, always remember him scoring a header cant think who against my have been shef in the cup or newcastle or everton. i seem to remember duncan furguson was ment to be marking him lol
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Very noticeable how many deadballs, he was given last night I thought.
As to your question, I don't know I really don't know - but I'd love him to do it and not just because he's a Villa player - Premier leauge football would be so much the better, for technique winning out over physical size and strength for once.
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He has some good touches and passes well, not afraid to take a corner or free kick. He even had 2 good shots on goal, yes he is small but I think we should give him some time. One of many good young tallents emerging from the youth settup.
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He's definitely good enough. The physical side isn't as important as it used to be but if he learns to use his head where his body cannot compete, as other diminutive great players have done, he could be a very good player.
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Unfortunately there have been so many flase dawns as regards Villa kids becoming Villa legends that I wouldn't want to jinx the lad and say yay or nay. He's got the talent, the build will count against him (though there are plenty of little'uns that make the grade - hello, Messi!) so it's up to him now. Gabby piled on the muscle to finesse his game (he recognised, unlike the Moores, that the hard part isn't getting into the team but making a reason to stay there) and there will be limitations to Bannan's ability. If he works on them, it could end well.
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while he has great ability and attitude, i just feel his size will be a problem...
if he doesnt make it though, it wont be for the want of trying...
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The same could be said of Sid when he came on the scene. His slight frame and size didn't hinder his career one bit. That doesn't mean that Bannan is going to make it but it could also mean he might kick on from where he is now, which I hope he can.
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His size will be highlighted at the moment purely because we are a very lightweight side. Young, Albrighton, Gabby (although he's bulked up rather impressively), Warnock seems small too, Downing's not exactly in the heavy-weight division either.
If he has a big bruiser or a nasty bastard around (like a Viera type figure) that can fend off the thugs, lay the ball off to Bannan in open space, then he'll be a gem of a player.
Young used to get clattered loads but then we used to make the opposition pay for it in a big way. Until we can bring that aspect back to our game and give the other side a reason not to clobber him, he's simply going to have to learn to duck and weave and take the hits when they come.
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I think he'll go to Celtic in the end and be a success with them.
He has ability in spades, but the Prem is such a tough place, it's more suited to better built and / or taller players sadly.
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Xavi and Iniesta don't do to badly. If you good enough youre big enough
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The same could be said of Sid when he came on the scene. His slight frame and size didn't hinder his career one bit. That doesn't mean that Bannan is going to make it but it could also mean he might kick on from where he is now, which I hope he can.
Recently a lot of our Youth team have been technically very good but not the biggest. Forester was another one. I do wonder if Sid is the reason for that as alot of prem clubs seem to reject kids if they are "too small for the Prem".
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As other have said, in the strong physical world of the Premier League, he would have to be exceptional to make it. I think he will just fall short but would love to be proved wrong as he has a lot of ability and confidence.
Just changing the subject, I was impressed with Lichaj - strong, pacey and prepared to support further up the pitch - one beautiful cut back for Bannan to run onto. I think we may have a player there and a decent back up for Young L (and the end of Carlos at right back).
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He's probably been told he's too small and will never make it since he was kicking stones in the playground. He's managed so far to become a professional footballer, survive the physical challenge of a season in the Championship and looks perfectly capable of taking care of himself at our level. He's got a nice touch, can pass the ball and (after last night, when some didn't for a good hour) is always looking for the ball. Can't fault his attitude and I hope he has the talent to make it.
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If he was six foot and twelve stone I'd have absolutely no doubts about him. He's got a good touch, can pick a pass and a decent shot. He works hard and appears to read the game well but his size will make it more difficult. However, I think he's got a chance and he's got two coaches now who know his position inside out and who should be very good for his development.
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He's probably been told he's too small and will never make it since he was kicking stones in the playground. He's managed so far to become a professional footballer, survive the physical challenge of a season in the Championship and looks perfectly capable of taking care of himself at our level. He's got a nice touch, can pass the ball and (after last night, when some didn't for a good hour) is always looking for the ball. Can't fault his attitude and I hope he has the talent to make it.
Well said Steve.
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As other have said, in the strong physical world of the Premier League, he would have to be exceptional to make it. I think he will just fall short but would love to be proved wrong as he has a lot of ability and confidence.
Just changing the subject, I was impressed with Lichaj - strong, pacey and prepared to support further up the pitch - one beautiful cut back for Bannan to run onto. I think we may have a player there and a decent back up for Young L (and the end of Carlos at right back).
i have never seen anything in lichaj that suggests to me that he is anything different to the likes of o'halloran... i think he will be utilised in the short term, but i dont expect a long term future for him at the villa...
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Paul Scholes is 5ft 7ins.
I just think, with Bannan's talents, there's a chance for him. He'll never go head to head with Michael Essien in a central midfield battle and win, but as an attacking midfield player, there's a role for him. Left side of midfield - not touchline-hugging left wing but a bit more central - or the left side of a midfield three, or even the top point of a midfield triangle, with the likes of NRC/Petrov/Sidwell behind him, he could do a good job. Quick feet, quick brain, great shot on him - Bannan's definitely got something.
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Arsenal seem to prefer a midfield of midgets,doesnt do them too bad. He is small,but he's got more bite than Downing,i know thats not saying much though,
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He may well make it at the highest level ....... but with football the way it is it wont be with us .....
he will have been snapped up by the likes of Chelsea or Man City
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I hope he makes it nice touch for the wee man.
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Arsenal seem to prefer a midfield of midgets,doesnt do them too bad. He is small,but he's got more bite than Downing,i know thats not saying much though,
I was just thinking that. All of Arsenal's better players look like they'd smash if you pushed them off a low wall.
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He'll never go head to head with Michael Essien in a central midfield battle and win,
Is that the same Essien who according to todays papers was rejected by Fergie when he was on a trial with them as a teenager as he was too small.
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Xavi and Iniesta don't do to badly. If you good enough youre big enough
I'm not sure that comparing him to two of the best players in the world really helps the argument though.
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Can't fault his attitude and I hope he has the talent to make it.
i really do too, as he has an amazing 'never say die' attitude...
i might have mentioned it on here before, but he is one of my standout memories from watching reserve football, when he constantly tried to outjump and out muscle, the much taller and much stronger, andre bikey, when competing for a header... it was priceless, and summed up the young lads commitment and attitude, watching the 16 year old kid who looked about 12, never giving up, despite not ever winning one of these challenges in the match...
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Xavi and Iniesta don't do to badly. If you good enough youre big enough
I'm not sure that comparing him to two of the best players in the world really helps the argument though.
It's perfect. When using size as a limiting factor to how good a player can be, use two of the best as an example of why its aint neccessarily so.
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He'll never go head to head with Michael Essien in a central midfield battle and win,
Is that the same Essien who according to todays papers was rejected by Fergie when he was on a trial with them as a teenager as he was too small.
Ha! I didn't know that. If that's true, it just goes to show... maybe we could put Barry on the same regime that Gabby's been on to bulk him up. Actually, let's not. He looks a bit sluggish to me these days, does Gab.
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I'd say give him a chance before writing him off. It's easy to say 'Championship player at best', but he did show glimpses of a special talent and I'd like to see him get some games or at least go out on loan for a few months. They seemed to like him at Blackpool.
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He appears to have ability and determination so if they find the right role for him I think he's got a real chance.
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Xavi and Iniesta don't do to badly. If you good enough youre big enough
There was an interesting stat in one of the tabloids last week about Arsenal being the smallest team in the league, Chelsea unsuprisingly the biggest. However you look at it, it doesn't hinder the Arse that much being a team of short arses.
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I'd say give him a chance before writing him off. It's easy to say 'Championship player at best', but he did show glimpses of a special talent and I'd like to see him get some games or at least go out on loan for a few months. They seemed to like him at Blackpool.
Some of the goals and link up play while at Blackpool last year were top class, OK in the Championship, but he seemed to have that Scholes like ability to make time and space for himself and take time in making his cross. Give him time.
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There was an interesting stat in one of the tabloids last week about Arsenal being the smallest team in the league, Chelsea unsuprisingly the biggest. However you look at it, it doesn't hinder the Arse that much being a team of short arses.
Apart from not having won a trophy in 5 seasons.
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According to the national papers and radio stations Jack Wilshire is going to be the mainstay of the England team for the next 15 years. To me him and Bannan look about the same height, both got a decent left foot and about the same age and look really good on the ball. Alan Wright was our best left back since I've been supporting the villa and he didn't do too bad for 5'4''.
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I’ll say this now, Bannan has no chance of ever being an England player.
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Should be in the Scotland squad with some of the shit they've got. He's way better than the likes of Lee mcculloch. Scored for the under 21's the other week. Couldn't give a shit about international football though, as long as our players don't injured.
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If physical size was the be all and end all of a professional footballer
we would end up with 22 Chris Sambas on the pitch (heaven forbid)
Without doubt wee Barry has the techical ability in that he is two footed,
can control a ball, pass like Sid Cowans, and can score goals (recent
hat trick for the second string)
Also his attitude on the pitch is spot on - works his socks off for the cause
Steven Davies was another player not so long ago that I thought had
a bright future but as it's turned out its in Scotland with Rangers,
hopefully Barry doesn't follow a similar path and makes his name in
the English Premier with Villa
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Xavi and Iniesta don't do to badly. If you good enough youre big enough
I'm not sure that comparing him to two of the best players in the world really helps the argument though.
Maybe, but what about five foot nowt Alan Wright, thats a pretty decent comparison of a good career.
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He's got ability. He's a lovely little footballer, and I also thought his movement against Rapid was very good.
Size is an issue, but if he hits the weights hard, and makes himself a bit more durable, he can make up for the lack of height. See Dennis Wise.
The key really is his position. 1 of a central 2? No way. A central 3? Yes. He does need a hard man or two alongside though. Out wide with freedom to drift inside? Yes.
I think he's got enough ability to make an impact. He's better than Gardner, and has more of a brain, and desire than Whitts did. But Whitts, like Bannan had a good touch, and sweet left peg, but not the durability or physique to really cut it. Only time will tell, but he's a good chance if he works his bollocks off.
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I'm loving the mention of xavi and iniesta.
I said during the world cup that if bannan can watch how they protect the ball he could make it as a top player but that's something very important for him to pick up.
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Xavi and Iniesta don't do to badly. If you good enough youre big enough
I'm not sure that comparing him to two of the best players in the world really helps the argument though.
If the arguments about size, I have a point.
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I think he looks like he would be best off playing in the 'hole' behind the striker(s). Someone mentioned Zola earlier on, and I think that's the kind of player he could be (as in, type of player. I doubt he'll be as good as Zola.....although fingers crossed for the lad!).
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There was an interesting stat in one of the tabloids last week about Arsenal being the smallest team in the league, Chelsea unsuprisingly the biggest. However you look at it, it doesn't hinder the Arse that much being a team of short arses.
Here's the link to that piece.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1313289/Chelsea-truly-head-shoulders-clear-rivals---just-look-Power-League.html
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I think he's promising and there's a fair chance he'll make it.
I'm very hopeful he will both from a club perspective and a international perspective. Even if I doubt skillful players have much of a role under the current national manager.
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I agree with the Whittingham comparison Fletch made.
Still he's fun to watch, let's see him get more chances this season.
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Arsenal seem to prefer a midfield of midgets,doesnt do them too bad. He is small,but he's got more bite than Downing,i know thats not saying much though,
My goldfish has more bite than Downing.
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I think he looks like he would be best off playing in the 'hole' behind the striker(s). Someone mentioned Zola earlier on, and I think that's the kind of player he could be (as in, type of player. I doubt he'll be as good as Zola.....although fingers crossed for the lad!).
He played there in the Vienna first leg, scored and generally played well.
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Express and Star (http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/aston-villa-fc/2010/09/24/barry-bannan-is-not-looking-to-leave/)
Barry Bannan is not looking to leave
Friday 24th September 2010, 11:10AM BST.
Villa midfielder Barry Bannan is set to disappoint a string of Championship clubs after insisting his immediate focus is forcing his way into new boss Gerard Houllier’s plans.
Houllier picked out Bannan for praise after the miniature maestro shone in the Carling Cup win over Blackburn.
The 20-year-old Scot has attracted interest from a host of Championship clubs, with Sheffield United reportedly leading the chase.
But Bannan insists he wants to stay and stake a claim for a first-team place.
He said: “My first thoughts are to play for Villa. I am not looking to move now, because I want to stay here and hopefully impress the new manager and be involved at some point.
“It would be silly to go out on loan, because you wouldn’t be getting looked at. If you are here, you are getting watched every day in training.
“It is a fresh start for everyone. If you are the best in training he will pick you.”
Houllier described Bannan, who scored a hat-trick against Manchester United’s reserves last week, as a player of “skill and intelligence.”
And the youngster hopes Houllier’s emphasis on a passing game can work in his favour.
He said: “The gaffer is very big on that. He wants us to play, pass, generally go and enjoy the game, so that is right up my street.
“Some of the new things he is bringing in are exciting for the club.”
Bannan insists he can still mix it, despite his diminutive 5ft 7in frame.
He saod: “I’ve said before if you are good enough you don’t really get into physical battles. You avoid it if you are quick and bright enough.
“I’m not really fussed about that – I just think if they are big and strong then you play to your strengths and don’t let them play to theirs.”
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Every word the right one there. I really hope he makes it, he's got a real footballing brain and it would be great to have as many players from our youth ranks as possible.
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I thought he was smaller than 5' 7'',if he can bulk a little in the next season or two I cant see no reason why he cant be a sucess.
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Has a touch of the young Hendrie about him. Good movement, always looking for the give and go or a quick through-ball and he has a sweet shot.
He's certainly come a long way since choink-gate.
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I have'nt seen him play tbh, heard good things about him, heard he is a better footballer than Albrighton.
For me though, if he has ability and he is quick he will make it, if not then less likely.
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I haven't seen enough of the lad to say whether he'll make it but at 5ft 7in, he's not that small. Therefore he must have a chance. What he has said in the interview above suggests he's not stupid (although isn't this the fella with the entertaining myspace page?)
Being objective about it, will he offer more than Sidwell? Do they play in similar positions?
Ideally we could lose sidwell and play Bannan in his place (i.e. not a lot). This, in my opinion is how the squad should be used. Lose the expensive squad players and fill the gaps with our most promising youth players. Sidwell's wages could then be used on the DM we are crying out for.
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I think he has time on his side and could well be a good player. We need to keep our midfielders not put them out on loan. It is going to be a long season ahead.
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'if you are the best in training he will pick you'
Long may that continue.
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What I like about him from the little we've seen of him is that we works his bollocks off and is very intelligent when not on the ball. His movement is brilliant and it allows him to create space for himself in and around the box. He's very good in dead ball situations also which is always a plus. I absolutely think he can make it on talent.
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I can see Bannan and Ireland working well together in midfield. Bring in a couple of battling defensive midfielders and we'll be fairly solid all over the pitch. Just need a natural goalscorer to put the chances away. Easier said than done though.
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Someone said earlier that Bannan would never be able to go head to head with Essien in a midfield dual. He did in a reserve game last year (or the season before) at Villa Park when chelsea fielded a pretty strong reserve side. We won 5-2 and Barry definately came out on top.
Essien was coming back from injury though, but still...
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I think he's promising and there's a fair chance he'll make it.
I'm very hopeful he will both from a club perspective and a international perspective. Even if I doubt skillful players have much of a role under the current national manager.
Levein eventually made Dundee United quite skilful for the resources they have, however built them from the back. He'll build a team around the strengths available and if Barry starts making an impression at Villa I reckon he'll start getting call ups.
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Think his over all game is better than Albrightons ........
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I agree with the Whittingham comparison Fletch made.
Still he's fun to watch, let's see him get more chances this season.
difference is Wittingham looked scared shitless every time he played for the first team where Bannan the other night looked like he was loving every minute of it. Half the problem with young players making the step up is their mental strength and that doesn't appear to be a problem here.
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He looks far more comfortable on the ball than many of his senior colleagues.
Compare Sidwell with him on Wed - a man who abdicated any responsibility with the ball and just ran up and down. When he had the ball he looked like he was playing pass the parcel and scared of receiving a forfeit.
Wee Barry wanted the ball and actively got into space to receive the ball - the ginger one always seemed to be marking a Blackburn player, when we had the ball.
I know which player i would rather see on the pitch.
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We've lacked a bit of Scottish steel in the side for some years, Maloney and Calderwood don't count.
I hope it happens for him on the strength of when I've seen him turn out for the reserves, but despite our good production line of young talent, they never seem to quite take the last step up. Of all the youngsters touted Gabby and Gary Cahill are the only ones who made it, the rest relegated to lower league oblivion.