Barry "Messi" Bannan - again

[paul_e]

Bannan's biggest problem is that he too often passes to the opposition.

but statistically that's not true, he gives the ball away about as much as all but the top 15-20 midfielders in the league.  It's more that when he does give the ball away his game falls apart for a few minutes so he normally makes a few more mistakes and looks terrible.  When he's not in a flurry of bad passing he's a better 'forward' passer than the rest of the squad.  I do get why people slate his passing but it just doesn't hold up to scrutiny.

[PeterWithesShin]

Maybe Palace. Hollaway took him on loan at Blackpool after all.

I still reckon Celtic is the smart move.

He did but he didnt take him when he got Blackpool promoted and I'd be surprised if he came in for him now.
May be interested in the Fonz though.

I reckon somewhere like leicester or derby would suit bannan  maybe.

He was playing for us regularly in 10/11, Houllier certainly rated him. Bannan's career would've probably progressed a bit more if GH had stayed or say Martinez had come in instead of TSM.

He was sent out on loan to Leeds in 10/11.

That was whilst Gary Mac was running things wasn't it. Maybe he didn't rate BB as much as Houllier. That said, even though Barry played a fair amount for GH, he never really found a level of consistency. Albrighton was more consistent under Houllier IMO.

Nope, he was sent on loan early March and GH was taken ill late April.

[paul_e]

Maybe Palace. Hollaway took him on loan at Blackpool after all.

I still reckon Celtic is the smart move.

He did but he didnt take him when he got Blackpool promoted and I'd be surprised if he came in for him now.
May be interested in the Fonz though.

I reckon somewhere like leicester or derby would suit bannan  maybe.

He was playing for us regularly in 10/11, Houllier certainly rated him. Bannan's career would've probably progressed a bit more if GH had stayed or say Martinez had come in instead of TSM.

He was sent out on loan to Leeds in 10/11.

That was whilst Gary Mac was running things wasn't it. Maybe he didn't rate BB as much as Houllier. That said, even though Barry played a fair amount for GH, he never really found a level of consistency. Albrighton was more consistent under Houllier IMO.

Nope, he was sent on loan early March and GH was taken ill late April.

Means little though as that was a sensible loan at the right time.  We could afford to not have him (with makoun and bradley having joined) and a run in the championship after having had a fair amount of time in the prem could've done his confidence a lot of good.  Houllier gave him his big contract and seemed to really like him.

[PeterWithesShin]

I was pointing out that he didn't play regularly for us in 10/11. He started about 12 games and had another half dozen sub appearances.

[paul_e]

I agree, was just pointing out that the loan had little bearing on what Houllier thought of him.

[supertom]

Bloody hell, completely forgot about Bradley! lol.

[supertom]

I was pointing out that he didn't play regularly for us in 10/11. He started about 12 games and had another half dozen sub appearances.

That could also be in part why he seemed to look more impressive then. Under longer scrutiny in the following season, he never had any consistency. Granted not many did in McLeish. Still, it's fair to say BB has had more than enough chance under the last two managers to shine.

I'd also agree with a previous point that Bannan tends to just fall apart a little after a mistake. His decision making goes to pot. He'll start firing Hollywoods to make up for it, or his mind will be on the mistake and he'll lose track of runners etc. If he just had Gareth Barry's composure and decision making, he could be a very good player.

[Toronto Villa]

Bloody hell, completely forgot about Bradley! lol.

A player I wish we had found a way to keep and was playing for Lambert. Has done really well at Roma, works hard, simple controlling game, high pass completion percentage and a great attitude.

[gervilla]

His shooting is absolutely atrocious.

[Salsa Party Animal]

If I were Barry I would be eyeing a move to La Liga club.

[eastie]

If I were Barry I would be eyeing a move to La Liga club.

I think the problem with that is he needs a la liga club to be eyeing up a move for him and it aint gonna happen.
Why would a la liga club want barry bannan?
Then again one did take hutton and were relegated for their trouble.

[LeeB]

If I were Barry I would be eyeing a move to La Liga club.

The problem there is that very few clubs could match his wages, and those that could probably wouldn't be that bothered.

And of course Barca already have one Messi.

[claretandbeer]

Bannan's biggest problem is that he too often passes to the opposition.

but statistically that's not true, he gives the ball away about as much as all but the top 15-20 midfielders in the league.  It's more that when he does give the ball away his game falls apart for a few minutes so he normally makes a few more mistakes and looks terrible.  When he's not in a flurry of bad passing he's a better 'forward' passer than the rest of the squad.  I do get why people slate his passing but it just doesn't hold up to scrutiny.

And this is where some statistics fall apart,as the majority of his passes are played,usually under no pressure,to a nearby player deep in our half.It's when he's under pressure that Bannan becomes uncomfortable .The accuracy of his passing under pressure does not compare to Westwood nor even Lowton and he rarely utilises a one-two to go past an opponent ,whereas Lowton uses that skill to great effect.
Contrast also with Shaun Maloney who was constantly playing give and go's,dribbling or threading through passes in tight situations around the penalty area last year.This doesn't seem to be in BB's repertoire,lack of pace and possibly lack of courage not helping.
If opponents stand off Bannan ,he could inflict damage but who does that ? Apart from Bannan himself who fails regularly to close down opponents which begs the question..is he frightened of a physical challenge ? Thus ruling out a development like Maloney who operated in the physically tough areas last season.

[ktvillan]

I keep saying that Bannan's problem is he is one paced, and his one pace is very slow.  You need a change  of pace to close players down quickly, or skip away from them with the ball.  Some small players like Silva are light on their feet and seem to just float and dart around the park.  Bannan plods around like a christmas pudding by comparison.   

[Salsa Party Animal]

good point you want players that control the pace of the game by slowing or speeding it up and Barry operate in one gear