Nathan Baker - Sold

[MorrisNielson]

This tickled me, observe our Nathan very much horizontal but still attempting to get in the way.
It shouldn’t make me laugh, but it does.

[PeterWithesShin]

And to think some people said he looked like a fish out of water playing for Villa.

[brontebilly]

cant fault his heart but a very very average defender.

[sid1964]

I would not even describe him as average, for me he is poor.

[UK Redsox]

cant fault his heart but a very very average defender.

I disagree. I think that he's a decent defender, just not a very good footballer.

The tackling, heading and generally getting in the way he can do. Its kicking a football that he has problems with, as we saw against Ipswich when McCarthy's tactics appeared to be to channel the ball towards Bakerbauer.

[Bottom Right 89]

Each to his opinion for me some of his performances this season have been outstanding and I'd say he is the most improved player at the club. Granted the way football is played these days you need to be a bit more cultured in possession but all Nathan has to do is tackle and pass the ball to someone that can play a bit or knock it to Chester.

[mattjpa]

I think its very telling that Bruce has made him first pick as CB and has chosen to to spend in that position. Fans main criticism with Baker was that he always had a clanger in him - I think he has eradicated that from his game and looks much more assured.

[TheTimVilla]

Each to his opinion for me some of his performances this season have been outstanding and I'd say he is the most improved player at the club. Granted the way football is played these days you need to be a bit more cultured in possession but all Nathan has to do is tackle and pass the ball to someone that can play a bit or knock it to Chester.

I have always rated Baker, although his partnership with Clark was shocking. He and Chester are a solid pairing and I would certainly stick with them. As you say, he does the simple things (ie his job) well.

[chrisw1]

This tickled me, observe our Nathan very much horizontal but still attempting to get in the way.
It shouldn’t make me laugh, but it does.

I saw John Terry do that once.  Pure desire to win.  Fantastic stuff.

[Mister E]

I think its very telling that Bruce has made him first pick as CB and has chosen to to spend in that position. Fans main criticism with Baker was that he always had a clanger in him - I think he has eradicated that from his game and looks much more assured.

Is it not more the case that he is playing at his level, now?
Don't get me wrong: I think he does a great job right now. Against more mobile and tricky forwards I think we'll agree that he is limited.

[nigel]

This tickled me, observe our Nathan very much horizontal but still attempting to get in the way.
It shouldn’t make me laugh, but it does.

I saw John Terry do that once.  Pure desire to win.  Fantastic stuff.

It's a pity a few others, recent past and present, didn't show those levels of commitment!!

[Bottom Right 89]

If I do have a criticism Nathan it's that he needs to improve his goal scoring - he could be like Derek Mountfield and bag us 5+ goals a season from set pieces he always seems to be in the right place at corners but more often than not hits the post or nods it wide.

[Jimbo]

He can't help having a head like a 50p piece. But one thing about our Nathan, he'll always put his body, head, face, hair, internal organs, whatever, on the line for Villa.

[SoccerHQ]

I actually think he's been o.k at this level for most of the season, him and Chester were forming a decent combination.

It's Elphick who's been the disaster at the back.

Baker's weakness has always been against quick direct forwards....luckily there aren't too many of them down here but Brentford was a reminder of why he isn't good enough to be a regular in the prem.

[pbavfckuwait]

Brave and good enough at this level to defend, but distribution will never ever be good enough for a pro footballer.