THE controversial Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton yesterday revealed his belief that he is as good as anyone in the country. At first glance, it would appear that Barton has rejuvenated himself, with a droll, dry sense of humour to match. However, upon close inspection, the man Sam Allardyce once relied on to try and keep Newcastle in the Premiership (and failed), was actually truthfully stating his apparent worth to the England football cause.
Although some fans would argue that Barton would have offered England an improved tenacity in midfield than what was present in South Africa, what England were in need of most was the ability to keep possession. Both a lack of world-class technique and an aptitude to look for a short pass was the downfall of Fabio Capello’s team. (Though it doesn’t help when your defenders are out-paced by Miroslav Klose) It would take the most ardent of Newcastle United fans or even a close family member of Joey Barton to claim that he would have improved England in that area.
Barton instead is a battler, a destroyer if you will, who although showed a goalscoring streak during his Manchester City career, would not be expected to fulfill such a goal-scoring responsibility at international level. However, supporting England shouldn’t just come down to claiming an average midfield battler would do a better job than our current crop. ‘Get Batty on’ was often the desperate cry of the Elland Road faithful in 2004, though to no avail, as they saw their beloved Leeds United (and David Batty) slide out of the Premier League. Surely fans in the 21st century, who are regularly witnesses to Pro-Zone, Andy Gray's numerous on-screen gadgetry, and even Andy Townsend's 'Tactics Truck' can suggest a more innovative and intelligent tactic than just sending your enforcer on to ‘sort em out.’
At 27 years old, Barton has less than 200 top-flight appearances to his name, and he is rightly more well-known for his altercations, both and off the pitch. He is one-paced, a competent passer, not blessed with real skill, and has an awful disciplinary record. Apart from a decent shooting ability, Barton’s only real positive attribute is his ability to influence and drive on others around him. However, team-mates look to these types of players to set standards and positive examples, and they usually demand ultimate respect. One feels that Barton cannot fully gain this respect with what he has done previously in not only his career, but also his life to date.
His only real accolade to date was his one and only England cap, coming on for Frank Lampard against Spain in 2007, for just over 10 minutes. He hasn’t played for the national side since. Even ex-Bolton striker Michael Ricketts played more minutes for England, albeit just 45, in a friendly against Holland in 2002. Ricketts however, is wise not to come out in the press and laud his own abilities to the national press. Quite what Barton was thinking is somewhat-baffling, and suggests his impending return to the Premiership in August should be one to watch.
Although some fans would argue that Barton would have offered England an improved tenacity in midfield than what was present in South Africa, what England were in need of most was the ability to keep possession. Both a lack of world-class technique and an aptitude to look for a short pass was the downfall of Fabio Capello’s team. (Though it doesn’t help when your defenders are out-paced by Miroslav Klose) It would take the most ardent of Newcastle United fans or even a close family member of Joey Barton to claim that he would have improved England in that area.
Barton instead is a battler, a destroyer if you will, who although showed a goalscoring streak during his Manchester City career, would not be expected to fulfill such a goal-scoring responsibility at international level. However, supporting England shouldn’t just come down to claiming an average midfield battler would do a better job than our current crop. ‘Get Batty on’ was often the desperate cry of the Elland Road faithful in 2004, though to no avail, as they saw their beloved Leeds United (and David Batty) slide out of the Premier League. Surely fans in the 21st century, who are regularly witnesses to Pro-Zone, Andy Gray's numerous on-screen gadgetry, and even Andy Townsend's 'Tactics Truck' can suggest a more innovative and intelligent tactic than just sending your enforcer on to ‘sort em out.’
At 27 years old, Barton has less than 200 top-flight appearances to his name, and he is rightly more well-known for his altercations, both and off the pitch. He is one-paced, a competent passer, not blessed with real skill, and has an awful disciplinary record. Apart from a decent shooting ability, Barton’s only real positive attribute is his ability to influence and drive on others around him. However, team-mates look to these types of players to set standards and positive examples, and they usually demand ultimate respect. One feels that Barton cannot fully gain this respect with what he has done previously in not only his career, but also his life to date.
His only real accolade to date was his one and only England cap, coming on for Frank Lampard against Spain in 2007, for just over 10 minutes. He hasn’t played for the national side since. Even ex-Bolton striker Michael Ricketts played more minutes for England, albeit just 45, in a friendly against Holland in 2002. Ricketts however, is wise not to come out in the press and laud his own abilities to the national press. Quite what Barton was thinking is somewhat-baffling, and suggests his impending return to the Premiership in August should be one to watch.
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