Defensive Midfielder: Arsenal targets by numbers

Gareth Barry

Gareth Barry

Club – Manchester City

Age – 32

Height – 183cm

Weight – 78kg

League Apps – 31

Value - £3-4m

Tackles p/game	Interceptions p/game	Fouls conceded p/game	Dribbled past p/game	Blocked shots p/game
2.1 (64)	1.4 (44)	1.2 (38)	0.5 (17)	0.2 (6)
Key Passes p/game	Dispossessed p/game	Turnovers p/game	Pass success %	Through Ball success
1.2 (36)	0.9 (29)	0.7 (22)	86.3	0.1 (3/9)

Many may turn their nose up at Gareth Barry, me being one of them. However recently I’ve being trying to look at the signing of the England international in a positive light. He is experienced, he is a Premier League winner and would offer something different to what we already have at the club.

Signing Barry for me would be an absolute last resort; if he isn’t good enough for City then I wouldn’t be in the business of signing other teams’ scraps, like we did with Silvestre.

Statistically, Barry looks quite impressive, and proficient. High pass success rate, low dispossession and turnover ratios, but not really an expert in any role.

He doesn’t have the legs for a box to box role and doesn’t have the technical ability for an advanced role. Defensively he would improve Arsenal but isn’t exactly a dominating presence that would boss the midfield.

Verdict – I can understand the interest in Barry, but he isn’t my cup of tea but maybe Wenger sees something in him. Could be a goer if all else fails.