Nathan Baker - Sold

[old man villa fan]

For the time he has been in or around the 1st team, his awareness and positioning should have been improving.  Without the ball and when he has time on the ball, he looks too casual.  He always looks like Bambi on ice to me.

[Clampy]

I've always liked him, but I do agree that this is probably his level. He's done ok this season I think.

[Three Spires Villa]

I've always liked him, but I do agree that this is probably his level. He's done ok this season I think.

Yes he has but an upgrade needed

[wittonwarrior]

His popularity has increased because a catchy chant   Very average and prone to mistakes but I must be missing something as a lot disagree with me

[West Derby Villan]

After last season I think that a lot of fans wanted and appreciated commitment and effort which NB shows every match, he ain't the best but would you prefer Micah Richards instead? I am quite happy with his selection and if and when we get promoted we can evaluate his value to the team

[itbrvilla]

After last season I think that a lot of fans wanted and appreciated commitment and effort which NB shows every match, he ain't the best but would you prefer Micah Richards instead? I am quite happy with his selection and if and when we get promoted we can evaluate his value to the team

I agree. He is ok but at least appears to give a shot and tries hard. He's blessed that he's at the villa.

[brian green]

He is a very brave, very moderate player but has the big advantage of being one of the least corrupted by the large number of nasty, lazy players who have passed through our dressing room in recent times.  He does give a shit.

[KRS]

Very average and prone to mistakes

Pretty much sums it up for me. He may give a shit and he may put a shift in, but he's just not very good. A very limited player and we need a better option to start alongside Chester.

[Virgil Caine]

Very average and prone to mistakes

Pretty much sums it up for me. He may give a shit and he may put a shift in, but he's just not very good. A very limited player and we need a better option to start alongside Chester.

And this is where we are at - as supporters we have dumbed down our expectations as regards to levels of skill. Years of poor selection and coaching have left us with the minimum requirement that a player 'puts a shift in'. Baker is not alone by any means but it is a depressing fact that Villa teams of the last 4-5 seasons have not been able to pass to their own players on a consistent basis, create chances/score from midfield, take set pieces with some element of imagination, move intelligently off the ball, take thrown ins and find a team mate and generally have the aim of being better than the opposition.

[Mister E]

And this is where we are at - as supporters we have dumbed down our expectations as regards to levels of skill. Years of poor selection and coaching have left us with the minimum requirement that a player 'puts a shift in'. Baker is not alone by any means but it is a depressing fact that Villa teams of the last 4-5 seasons have not been able to pass to their own players on a consistent basis, create chances/score from midfield, take set pieces with some element of imagination, move intelligently off the ball, take thrown ins and find a team mate and generally have the aim of being better than the opposition.

Indeed. Last week was a microcosm of our season: indifferent play, poor intensity, and inability to keep the ball and a goal conceded because we expect our Nathe to be able to pass out of defence (hint: he rarely can and rarely does).
NB - nice attitude: shame about his limitations.

[Matt Collins]

Shocking for the penalty today - not so much the challenge, more for being rounded in slow motion

[Ad@m]

And while we're stuck with Baker, Ciaran Clark is picking up his champions medal.  I still can't believe the level of discussion that took place on here as to which one was better.

[TheTimVilla]

Baker had a bloody good game today. I'd rather have him than Clark.

[olaftab]

Shocking for the penalty today - not so much the challenge, more for being rounded in slow motion

If the game was only about getting that brave tackle in or his head in the way of harm to clear the ball he would be considered a great player but he  has far too many limitations to be that.
However I still prefer him to Clark.

[LukeJames]

4 times in the opening 7 minutes he  hoofed it long directly to their keeper, whoever told him that he is a ball playing defender needs their head looking at.