Louie Barry (on loan to Sheffield United)

[SaddVillan]

Guardian article


From Maupay to Doak: how Premier League players are faring on loan

We assess 10 players who made temporary summer moves, including an unusually small goalkeeper who is thriving

Louie Barry (Aston Villa to Stockport)
Stockport took a chance on the former Barcelona youngster last season after he had some disappointing loans and he lit up the fourth tier with his speed and direct style, helping ignite the promotion charge before injury forced him out for a lengthy period. Amid interest from the Championship club Swansea, Stockport lured him back and the natural finisher has continued to blossom. It speaks volumes about Barry that he picked the team where he would best develop, rather than moving to a higher division for the sake of it. Stockport are in the playoff positions as they prepare to face their rivals Wrexham on Saturday, mainly thanks to Barry, who has 10 goals in 15 games.

[robbyfvillain]

Another cracking goal for Barry today against Wrexham. He certainly has a sweet right foot

[eamonn]

What's he got left?

[eye digress]

Cracking goal befitting a bigger stage.

“If you were ever going to pick a Louie Barry goal, it would look like that,” the Stockport manager, Dave Challinor, said. “Now whether he’s an asset for Aston Villa or a sellout asset, they still want to maximise that as best as possible, and I suppose with everything within this, we hope that he stays fit for the full season and can get his gold tally up above 20 and if that happens then I think it’s a win-win for all parties.”

[johnc]

I would be happy if Ireland made an approach to him

[Rico]

What's the likelihood of him making it to premier league standard? Obviously has an eye for goal. Hope he makes it!

[OCD]

We need to see how does in the Championship. That might then give us an idea of his potential.

[Sexual Ealing]

I get Callum O'Hare vibes from him. He'll be a legend at a Championship club but possibly not good enough higher up. And I write as someone who's never seen him play, so you can take that to the bank.

[LeeB]

I get Callum O'Hare vibes from him. He'll be a legend at a Championship club but possibly not good enough higher up. And I write as someone who's never seen him play, so you can take that to the bank.

I think he can play at the top level, he has the technique. You don't see players at that level finishing like he does very often, it's been a question of fitness and getting big enough to cope with physicality.

[ChicagoLion]

I get Callum O'Hare vibes from him. He'll be a legend at a Championship club but possibly not good enough higher up. And I write as someone who's never seen him play, so you can take that to the bank.

I think he can play at the top level, he has the technique. You don't see players at that level finishing like he does very often, it's been a question of fitness and getting big enough to cope with physicality.

I thought that about Archer.

[LeeB]

I get Callum O'Hare vibes from him. He'll be a legend at a Championship club but possibly not good enough higher up. And I write as someone who's never seen him play, so you can take that to the bank.

I think he can play at the top level, he has the technique. You don't see players at that level finishing like he does very often, it's been a question of fitness and getting big enough to cope with physicality.

I thought that about Archer.

Well last time I looked you were right.

[UK Redsox]

Having watched bits of a few Stockport games this season, Louie doesn’t stand out as being significantly smaller than other players any more

[ChicagoLion]

I get Callum O'Hare vibes from him. He'll be a legend at a Championship club but possibly not good enough higher up. And I write as someone who's never seen him play, so you can take that to the bank.

I think he can play at the top level, he has the technique. You don't see players at that level finishing like he does very often, it's been a question of fitness and getting big enough to cope with physicality.

I thought that about Archer.

Well last time I looked you were right.

Sarfamton, top level?nah

[dekko]

Having watched bits of a few Stockport games this season, Louie doesn’t stand out as being significantly smaller than other players any more

He's bulked up considerably compared to a couple of years ago

[dcdavecollett]

People are right to raise the issue of third level vs Prem.

The comparison I make is that Louie looks right at the top of his game with his finishing, running and crossing, whereas Leon and Philogene both look like players whose confidence is shot.