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Joey Barton - Englands best midfielder

  • 07-04-2011 8:40am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,838 ✭✭✭✭


    http://www.teamtalk.com/newcastle-united/6856812/Barton-I-m-the-best-in-England
    Joey Barton says he should be in the England squad as he is "the best" midfielder in the country, and has compared Gareth Barry to a tortoise.

    The Newcastle midfielder has issued a damning verdict on the current England side singling out Manchester City midfielder Barry for his most fierce criticism.

    Barton, who has one England cap to his name, has been continually overlooked by England boss Fabio Capello despite his impressive form for Newcastle this season.

    The former Manchester City man admits he would love to add to his one cap picked up against Spain in 2007, but believes his past misdeameanours are counting against him.

    "Honestly, I think I'm the best [English midfielder]," Barton told the French magazine So Foot. "Luka Modric and Samir Nasri are very good, but in terms of English players... well, Jack Wilshere isn't bad, but Frank Lampard's on the way down and Steven Gerrard's been injured a lot.

    "I'm English and I love playing for my country.

    "Maybe the people at the top have a problem with me. I don't know. But the trouble I had was four years ago. They should be able to forgive, shouldn't they?"

    Barton saved his most withering remarks for Barry, who captained England in last week's friendly with Ghana. "Did you see the game against Germany at the World Cup?" asked Barton. "If you watch the fourth goal, when [Mesut] Ozil was up against Barry, it was like the hare and the tortoise.

    "Barry's got a very good agent," Barton indicated as the reason for the player's success. "He's also discreet and always agrees with the manager. He's like the guy who sits in the front row and listens to the teacher. I certainly don't lose any sleep when I play against him."

    The 28-year-old believes England are stuck in the past and that if they do not change their approach they will never win the World Cup again.

    "We English will play the next 50 World Cups and we'll never win one," added Barton. "The people in charge at the FA played football maybe 50 or 60 years ago and still think that we can win a World Cup in the same way we did in 1966.

    "We're too focused on tradition in England, like always having to play 4-4-2. Sometimes you need to experiment, drop a bit deeper so you have more space to move into.

    "France, Italy and Germany have done it. We've been doing the same thing for 20 years."

    Love it!

    I do actually think he should be in the england team. His play for Newcastle this season has been superb at times. He has done some stupid things (punching Pederson) that have worked against him - the media seemed to be behind him until that - but in terms of general play, he has been one of the better performers.


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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 303 ✭✭gav86


    Always has had ability Barton, unreal passing and crossing ability but until he proves he can cut out the stupid stuff for a full season (the punch on pederson this season) then maybe the England team is a bit too far. Still think he should get a shout for a place on a friendly squad to see how he gets on. Has helped keep Newcastle afloat this season, they have been toothless going forward this season when he has been missing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,920 ✭✭✭AnCapaillMor


    Pity he's such a pleb because he is a great player. The guy is 110% commitment.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,832 ✭✭✭✭Blatter


    He's one of the few proper English centre mids that who can attack, defend and control a game in the middle of the park.

    Both Parker and Wilshere are a cut above him though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 171 ✭✭spudwiser


    He is dead right about the england set up though, especially about the formation and to a certain degree about their selection policy.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27,252 ✭✭✭✭stovelid


    Him playing for England at the next major tournament would be worth it just for the bloodbath - on-field and off-field.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,342 ✭✭✭✭That_Guy


    Absolute hero.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 303 ✭✭gav86


    He's one of the few proper English centre mids that who can attack, defend and control a game in the middle of the park.

    Both Parker and Wilshere are a cut above him though.


    Yeah but Barton Parker and Wishire in the middle with Carroll as a target man and Rooney and another winger out wide might be the right formation!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,625 ✭✭✭✭Johner


    He's right about Barry, I honestly can't believe he get's his game with England he shouldn't be in the squad.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    He's a total liability imo. I think Capello would be crazy to select him.
    He's a ticking timebomb waiting to go off who can't control himself.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,832 ✭✭✭✭Blatter


    gav86 wrote: »
    Yeah but Barton Parker and Wishire in the middle with Carroll as a target man and Rooney and another winger out wide might be the right formation!

    Play their best player in a position where he is ineffective?

    No place for either Gerrard or Lampard?

    I don't think so.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,342 ✭✭✭✭That_Guy


    amiable wrote: »
    He's a total liability imo. I think Capello would be crazy to select him.
    He's a ticking timebomb waiting to go off who can't control himself.

    Have you watched him at all this season?
    Play their best player in a position where he is ineffective?

    No place for either Gerrard or Lampard?

    I don't think so.

    He's played on the right this year for a large part of this campaign. Has an excellent delivery in his arsenal. Could play there perhaps.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,688 ✭✭✭Nailz


    Very good footballer but he's a complete dose. Having said that, Milner or Barry in front of him in the international pecking order is a bit mad.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    That_Guy wrote: »
    Have you watched him at all this season?



    He's played on the right this year for a large part of this campaign. Has an excellent delivery in his arsenal. Could play there perhaps.
    Yes i've watched him several times this season.
    I'm talking about his discipline on and off the pitch.
    He's a liability imo.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,342 ✭✭✭✭That_Guy


    amiable wrote: »
    Yes i've watched him several times this season.
    I'm talking about his discipline on and off the pitch.
    He's a liability imo.

    8 yellow cards this season in all competitions.

    As for off the pitch matters, he has done nothing of note in a very long time.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    That_Guy wrote: »
    8 yellow cards this season in all competitions.

    As for off the pitch matters, he has done nothing of note in a very long time.
    8 yellow cards and a punch.
    A homophobic gesture also.
    And he's already done enough off the pitch to warrant never playing for his country ever again imo.
    He's a thug imo


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 303 ✭✭gav86


    Play their best player in a position where he is ineffective?

    No place for either Gerrard or Lampard?

    I don't think so.


    Gerrard and Lampard are out of form and should be dropped for England. Imo

    Parker, Scholes, Adam and Vidic all have more yellow cards than Barton this year. You can talk about his off the pitch discipline but he hasnt been in the news for the wrong reasons in 3/4years


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,342 ✭✭✭✭That_Guy


    amiable wrote: »
    8 yellow cards and a punch.
    A homophobic gesture also.
    And he's already done enough off the pitch to warrant never playing for his country ever again imo.
    He's a thug imo

    A punch in which he was banned for and apologised for.

    His homophobic gesture was quite funny imo but he was lucky to escape punishment for it given the things the FA will charge players with these days.

    He'll always have that tag over him but he has sorted himself out a good bit now but you're entitled to your opinion.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    That_Guy wrote: »
    A punch in which he was banned for and apologised for.

    His homophobic gesture was quite funny imo but he was lucky to escape punishment for it given the things the FA will charge players with these days.

    He'll always have that tag over him but he has sorted himself out a good bit now but you're entitled to your opinion.
    Homophobia is as bad as racism so if you think that is funny you are going down a dangerous road.

    He got banned for the punch but all you stated earlier was that he had 8 yellow cards like he was an angel.

    He will always be a thug cos he has proven it several times now


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,148 ✭✭✭✭Raskolnikov


    I don't think Joey Barton is England's best option, but he's definitely worthy of a place in the squad. His other comments about the rigidity of the setup of the English team are spot on.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,925 ✭✭✭aidan24326


    Good player though I'm not sure he's good enough for the England team. Then again everyone else seems to be getting picked.

    He's right about Gareth Barry though, a very ordinary player to even be playing for England let alone captaining them.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    I don't think Joey Barton is England's best option, but he's definitely worthy of a place in the squad. His other comments about the rigidity of the setup of the English team are spot on.
    But that's hardly the way to get into a team by slating your potential team mates?
    Whatever about his qualities if a player comes into a dressing room and causes unrest is he worth it?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88,972 ✭✭✭✭mike65


    Barton + Carroll c'mon amiable you know it makes sense!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    mike65 wrote: »
    Barton + Carroll c'mon amiable you know it makes sense!
    He's a liability and its only a matter of time before he's in jail for a long time sharing a cell with his brother imo


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,468 ✭✭✭✭SlickRic


    amiable wrote: »
    He's a liability and its only a matter of time before he's in jail for a long time sharing a cell with his brother imo

    to be fair, they could both be sharing it with Carroll ;)

    Barton is good enough for the England squad, easily; the only question to be asked is if he's worth the risk in terms of his temperament.

    no matter how much he's 'calmed down', it's always simmering at the surface, and we've seen instances even this season as have been mentioned.

    i believe he is; if only for the fact that if plan A doesn't work, him + Carroll = potential win for England.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,342 ✭✭✭✭That_Guy


    Will probably take Gareth Barry until pre-season to respond....

    Slow.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 21,235 ✭✭✭✭flahavaj


    He makes some good points, especially about Barry. Whether Barton himself is the answer to England's midfield problems is another story however. I'd have Parker, Wilshire, Carrick, Lampard, Gerrard, Huddlestone ahead of him anyway for a start.

    I did enjoy his autobiography rant a few years back though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭Limerick Dude


    amiable wrote: »
    8 yellow cards and a punch.
    A homophobic gesture also.
    And he's already done enough off the pitch to warrant never playing for his country ever again imo.
    He's a thug imo

    In fairness, Joey Barton has been targeted by the opposition in every single game he has played this season, he is always being kicked and fouled to a ridiculous degree, especially in our 2 games against Wolves this season.

    His only bad reaction was against Pedersen which I will admit was stupid but it is clear to see that in the last 2 seasons he has calmed down so much with regards to his temperment and has let his football do the talking. He should be in the England squad.

    However, he should keep his comments to himself and keep doing what he is doing because he has been one of the best midfielders in the Premiership this season, a true leader.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    SlickRic wrote: »
    to be fair, they could both be sharing it with Carroll ;)

    Barton is good enough for the England squad, easily; the only question to be asked is if he's worth the risk in terms of his temperament.

    no matter how much he's 'calmed down', it's always simmering at the surface, and we've seen instances even this season as have been mentioned.

    i believe he is; if only for the fact that if plan A doesn't work, him + Carroll = potential win for England.
    Barton has even stated he'll never lose his anger. I think that says it all.
    He's hardly calmed down now. 8 yellow cards and a suspension for punching a player.
    Homophobic insults.
    If that's peoples idea of calming down i'm shocked.
    Same week that Rooney gets a 2 game ban for being a bit emotional
    Fookin crazy imo


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 108 ✭✭YohanCabeye7


    He's right for once!

    Except for the 4 years since his last crime part...
    **Punches Morten Gamst in the stomach** a few months ago.

    And the Wilshire bit...


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    In fairness, Joey Barton has been targeted by the opposition in every single game he has played this season, he is always being kicked and fouled to a ridiculous degree, especially in our 2 games against Wolves this season.

    His only bad reaction was against Pedersen which I will admit was stupid but it is clear to see that in the last 2 seasons he has calmed down so much with regards to his temperment and has let his football do the talking. He should be in the England squad.

    However, he should keep his comments to himself and keep doing what he is doing because he has been one of the best midfielders in the Premiership this season, a true leader.
    He's not the first pro footballer to be singled out.
    Torres gets it all the time.
    Get on with it

    People making excuses for him.
    Ashley Cole gets dogs abuse constantly
    He gets on with it.

    Its his fault he's singled out.
    Do you want teams to say
    Oh Joey we know you have an aggression problem so we'll back off you and give you a free reign?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,832 ✭✭✭✭Blatter


    I agree with Amiable, he's a criminal who has reoffended badly throughout his career.

    He's a total liability, people like him don't deserve to represent their country.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,177 ✭✭✭TheTownie


    I would be suspicious of how much of that Joey Barton actually said as that interview was with French newspaper 'So foot'. So could quite easily be a misquote...

    but having said that, I can see Barton saying those things so, for the moment, just taking it with a pinch of salt until confirmed/denied.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭Limerick Dude


    amiable wrote: »
    He's not the first pro footballer to be singled out.
    Torres gets it all the time.
    Get on with it

    People making excuses for him.
    Ashley Cole gets dogs abuse constantly
    He gets on with it.

    Its his fault he's singled out.
    Do you want teams to say
    Oh Joey we know you have an aggression problem so we'll back off you and give you a free reign?


    I never said he is the only player to be singled out.

    All I'm saying is that for someone who has legitimate mental problems and who is a recovering alcoholic, I think it shows great strength for how he has turned his life around in the last 2 years on and off the pitch.

    I'm not defending what he has done in the past because it was damn right thuggery and the acts of a pure scumbag. He has served his jail time and I think that everyone deserves a second chance.

    I also think it's a bit naive of you to state that the likes of Ashley Cole and Fernando Torres get singled out in the same way as Joey Barton. It's not just the fans and the opposition who attack Joey, but the referee would easily send him off for a challenge that another player of average reputation would get a yellow for.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭Limerick Dude


    I agree with Amiable, he's a criminal who has reoffended badly throughout his career.

    He's a total liability, people like him don't deserve to represent their country.

    So the likes of John Terry and Ashley Cole who have both cheated on their respective partners do?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    I never said he is the only player to be singled out.

    All I'm saying is that for someone who has legitimate mental problems and who is a recovering alcoholic, I think it shows great strength for how he has turned his life around in the last 2 years on and off the pitch.

    I'm not defending what he has done in the past because it was damn right thuggery and the acts of a pure scumbag. He has served his jail time and I think that everyone deserves a second chance.

    I also think it's a bit naive of you to state that the likes of Ashley Cole and Fernando Torres get singled out in the same way as Joey Barton. It's not just the fans and the opposition who attack Joey, but the referee would easily send him off for a challenge that another player of average reputation would get a yellow for.
    I don't care what he's been through.
    He's a thug and a bully and doesn't realise how lucky he is.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    So the likes of John Terry and Ashley Cole who have both cheated on their respective partners do?
    Point me to that law please.
    Ashley Cole didn't cheat on his wife but that's another debate but i'm not getting into that


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭Limerick Dude


    amiable wrote: »
    Point me to that law please.
    Ashley Cole didn't cheat on his wife but that's another debate but i'm not getting into that

    So if you break the law your not allowed play for your respective country ?

    P.S.

    The last thing I want to do is start a massive argument which I honestly don't have the time for (I should be studying) but, my main point is that I just think it's impossible to be able to quantify one disgrace to another,

    e.g. beating up someone outside McDonald's > cheating on wife etc....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    So if you break the law your not allowed play for your respective country ?
    Point me to where i said that


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,071 ✭✭✭101001


    amiable wrote: »
    Point me to that law please.
    Ashley Cole didn't cheat on his wife but that's another debate but i'm not getting into that

    Oh so your outrage and indignation isn't a moral one.... merely legal. Ah! i see


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    101001 wrote: »
    Oh so your outrage and indignation isn't a moral one.... merely legal. Ah! i see
    Where did i say that?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,832 ✭✭✭✭Blatter


    So the likes of John Terry and Ashley Cole who have both cheated on their respective partners do?

    It's embarrassing to compare Terry/Cole to Barton.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    John Terry was punished by Capello for his actions.
    It wasn't the point i was originally making about Barton.
    I said imo he'd bring unrest to the dressing room.
    No matter any players ability if he unsettles the dressing room i wouldn't have him in there


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    What did Cole do wrong? Cos he didn't cheat on his wife


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,071 ✭✭✭101001


    amiable wrote: »
    Where did i say that?

    You missed my quote?

    You said point me to that law regarding infidelities of two players... The implication being that its not against the law to cheat on a partner thus this should not effect their statures as english players. Your rationalization must mean that the standards of suitability for english player is only a matter of whether or not they have broken a law rather than whether they are a fit and proper person... Legal rather than moral


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    101001 wrote: »
    You missed my quote?

    You said point me to that law regarding infidelities of two players... The implication being that its not against the law to cheat on a partner thus this should not effect their statures as english players. Your rationalization must mean that the standards of suitability for english player is only a matter of whether or not they have broken a law rather than whether they are a fit and proper person... Legal rather than moral
    My reasoning has been made several times


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,465 ✭✭✭SM01


    It's embarrassing to compare Terry/Cole to Barton.

    Embarrassing? Well not really.

    Terry and Cole have had a string of indiscretions that have been more or less forgiven if not forgotten.

    Barton's behaviour (which I would never defend) has been more serious and he has been punished for (most of) it.

    Take Andy Carroll. On a moral barometer of improprieties it could be argued that his behaviour lies somewhere in between that of Terry & Cole and Barton. Where is the cut off point that says it's okay for one player to play on the national team but not another?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,342 ✭✭✭✭That_Guy


    tumblr_ldi1olBOHH1qecli2.gif


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 25,953 ✭✭✭✭kryogen


    He generally tells it how it is alright, and he has always the ability, but he constantly shoots himself in the foot


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53,262 ✭✭✭✭GavRedKing


    I've always had a bit of soft spot for Barton. Mad a s a box of frogs at times but a good player, has the creative ability alot of sides lack and only his past mis-adventures are holding him back, in the last 2/3 years hes calmed down but still has the fire and determination to win thats hard to find, sometimes it spills over to a rash tackle or outburst but in general hes beheaved on the pitch.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,710 ✭✭✭✭Paully D


    I don't like Barton and never will, but I do think he's very open and honest which should be applauded.

    I know I, for one, can't stand the same old tired cliches from players and managers so some honesty is refreshing.

    I also think Barton should definitely be in England squad and I feel he's been in the top 3 English midfielders this season.

    Cracking player, but his mistakes in the past have cost him IMO and when all's said and done I don't think even Barton would deny he only has himself to blame.


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