We want your opinions on Gareth Barry. Is he the genuine article or vastly overrated? What are his strengths and weaknesses? Is he on the up or on the slide? Share your insight with us and the best comments will form part of his official Times Online player profile.



He is a talent and has been Villa's best player all season. He's not just scoring goals, he's assisting them as well....
antoc, b,

Although not a Villa fan I've seen him regularly this season as my son is a Villa fan. Gareth Barry should be in the England squad - his displays this season have been very consistent and he has even developed his right foot to cross and to score with. How he can be overlooked when players like Downing get in is beyond me. Oh - he also takes penalties (and scores them!) - quite a useful attribute for an England player don't you think?
Steve Baker, Birmingham, UK

I have always maintained that he was the best person to be captain at the club. It is only because we have short sighted managers who can not look beyond the "big" clubs or preferred players that he isn't an England regular. Barry is infinitely better than a very ordinary Jenas or a lightweight Downing (who cannot beat a man). Barry is all action, combative and perfect for a 4-4-2 system. He should be in the England squad ahead of Carrick (how can someone pay that much for someone who just passes backwards/sideways), Jenas, Downing and not forgetting Phil Neville!
Chris, London

I must agree with Mr Baggott that being given the captaincy has had a positive impact on Barry’s game. However, despite the solid, reassuring and sometimes inspiring displays I’ve seen this season from him, the best he could possibly ever hope for is a place in the England squad but not the line up. I know people talk of Barry being a possible solution to England’s left sided problem but I believe he is first and foremost a left back. Despite being a Villa fan I acknowledge that Ashley Cole will also be first choice, but as understudy I doubt very few would argue that you would look any further than Barry.
Mr G Ellis, Birmingham, UK

Gareth Barry should already be in the England squad due to his consistant displays on Villa left. He is comfortable at both left back and on the wing, where i think he is at his best. Martin O' Neill was right to keep hold of Barry because he has really shown that he does not shirk the responsiblity needed to be a good captain. One of the best parts of his game is that he is not afraid to take penalties and score from open play. That was the type of player which was missing from our England squad in the last World Cup. Even now he should be really knocking on McClaren's door and wondering what he needs to do to get in the England squad for the next Euro Championships as I feel he would really add to his game at this kind of level.
Dave Roberts, Derby, Derbyshire

Giving Barry the captaincy of the Villa side was a masterstroke by Martin O'NeilL. Rarely out of the game his impact on games this year has been truely impressive. I expect to see him in the next England squad, the left side of midfield problem would be solved at a stroke.
Mark Baggott, Ledbury, Herefordshire

Whilst flattering to deceive in previous seasons, Barry has been the main reason for the strengthening of our position this season. He has held together the side and although there has been too many draws there have been many fightbacks, not least at Portsmouth where he was outstanding. As to whether or not he is international class I believe only a lack of pace kept him from cementing a spot when he first broke through and as for now he must surely be worth at least another shot when you look at the form of the majority of regular internationals. Barry for England has been the cry from the Holte End all season and is one McLaren would do well to listen to.
Simon Preece, Telford, Shropshire

As a Villa fan, a definite hit. A genuine creative left footer. Lacks searing pace but makes up for it with his accurate delivery and technique. What's the point in skinning the full-back if you then have to cut in onto your right foot or cross it into the cameramen with your left. Recent ratio of goals for a midfielder and he'd certainly improve England's chances in the next penalty shoot-out!
Sean Browner, Inverness, UK

Gareth Barry should be in the England squad for Euro 2008 without a doubt. Why? He scores penalties!! Andrew Johnson should be in for the same reason.
Robin Hayes, Reading, UK

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