Barry "Messi" Bannan - again

[curiousorange]

The thing about Bannan is that much of what he does is good, but when he tries the flash pass or the Hollywood reverse ball and it doesn't come off, it's very grating, no matter if it's his football brain thinking faster than his teammates. He works very hard. He had more of my respect than Ireland, who was on the pitch less than a minute before he let an opportunity to regain possession slip because the ball wasn't right on his toe.

[neo_Villan]

I hate his floated set-pieces as much as anyone. But I think it is the managers instructions as Albrighton and Westwood have done the same at times. Shame, because when he whips them in, they look very threatening.

[curiousorange]

I hate his floated set-pieces as much as anyone. But I think it is the managers instructions as Albrighton and Westwood have done the same at times. Shame, because when he whips them in, they look very threatening.

A lot of the corners on Saturday went to the far post for no reason whatsoever. You'd think that when calling Clark and Baker up from the back, you'd want to whip a ball in at pace towards the penalty spot. Not our boys.

[ciggiesnbeer]

I have been impressed how good he has taken to being a DM at times. It is not an inuitive role for him but clearly lambert saw it in him and threw him at it.

I have always liked Bannan, I hope he continues to improve.

[Monty]

I think he's doing fine this season, which is less surprising given he has no excuses for failure now. I still think he should be moved further forward to a kind of inside right, but he's doing just fine. There are other players with much more to answer for than he does, starting with the defence.

[richardhubbard]

Considering he has played what 50 plus games, he is going fine by me.

He gets in people faces and gets hold of the ball and has a go

[Matt C]

He's shown more sustained promise this season than at any time previously when in truth, I thought he looked a bit out of his depth. Hope he makes it and we stick with him.

[Mortimer's Bear]

I rate him and he however he is playing he doesn't hide, yes he misplaces passes but he's always looking to get back on the ball.

Sadly I think he's a definite future 'great scapegoat of our time' in waiting.

[neo_Villan]

I still maintain that he looked his best under Houllier when we played some of the best passing football ever seen from a Villa team. Whilst he has been decent most of the time this season, he would still look much better playing in a better passing team like Swansea IMO. He probably needs to be a little more pragmatic with his game also and know when to play the simpler option. Look at a player like Cleverley who does this well. I don't think Cleverley is any more talented then Bannan (perhaps even less so) but he has managed to perfect an effective game.

[tomd2103]

I still maintain that he looked his best under Houllier when we played some of the best passing football ever seen from a Villa team. Whilst he has been decent most of the time this season, he would still look much better playing in a better passing team like Swansea IMO. He probably needs to be a little more pragmatic with his game also and know when to play the simpler option. Look at a player like Cleverley who does this well. I don't think Cleverley is any more talented then Bannan (perhaps even less so) but he has managed to perfect an effective game.

Sorry Neo, but Tom Cleverley is way better than Bannan in every department including talent.

[saunders_heroes]

Considering he has played what 50 plus games, he is going fine by me.

He gets in people faces and gets hold of the ball and has a go

And does fuck all with it.

[neo_Villan]

As I say, some of his performances under Houllier were absolutely sensational. The passing, technique, vision, awareness, intelligence etc in some of them showed that Bannan does have the talent/ability. I'm not convinced that he will ever display his full potential here though (or anywhere) and it may be best for him to go elsewhere.

[mr woo]

Well, having watched Mister B again tonight, and especially  considering this was against 4th division opposition, I have to say I've seen nothing to change my opinion.

You can throw all the statistics you want at me, he doesn't provide penetration or danger, he doesn't create anything, he has no bite in the tackle (oo-er missus) he has no pace, he can't beat his man, he gets caught out of position, he can't shoot and he's useless in the air.

So, apart from having neat control and flaying his arms out as he sprays another pointless pass to someone in no position to do anything with it, what exactly does he do for the team? Because its a mystery to me.

[SoccerHQ]

As I say, some of his performances under Houllier were absolutely sensational. The passing, technique, vision, awareness, intelligence etc in some of them showed that Bannan does have the talent/ability. I'm not convinced that he will ever display his full potential here though (or anywhere) and it may be best for him to go elsewhere.

Really? Man. United far enough and SHA when he came on but he faded pretty quickly after that intital Albrighton like flurry and was loaned to Leeds second half of the season.

Jusr don't think he's good enough, only potential starlet we have in midfield is Westwood.

[saunders_heroes]

As I say, some of his performances under Houllier were absolutely sensational. The passing, technique, vision, awareness, intelligence etc in some of them showed that Bannan does have the talent/ability. I'm not convinced that he will ever display his full potential here though (or anywhere) and it may be best for him to go elsewhere.

Sensational? Give me a break! Ha!