It would not be an exaggeration to say that Gareth Barry was one of the main reasons why Everton enjoyed such a fine season last year.
Signed on a season long loan from Manchester City, the experienced midfielder’s arrival was not greeted with too much fanfare but as the campaign progressed, the Toffees’ fans began to realize how much of an asset he was proving out to be.
Although not a like for like replacement for the departing Marouane Fellaini, Barry more than made up for the Belgian international’s absence, filling in seamlessly into the Everton centre midfield.
A very neat and tidy player on the ball, Barry was vital in Roberto Martinez implementing a more possession based style of football at Goodison Park and his presence was undoubtedly important in helping youngsters such as James McCarthy and Ross Barkley flourish.
As a result, re-signing Barry for next season has been seen as a no brainer, especially after the midfielder’s became a free agent. Now reports have emerged claiming that the former England international will make a return to Goodison Park, with Barry reportedly signing a 3-year deal with the club.
While such news is certainly welcomed by many quarters of the Everton faithful, is the second coming of Barry a good acquisition for the Toffees?
The return of Barry will mean that Everton have been able to retain one of the most integral components of their successful team from last season and given his intelligence as well as positional sense, his advancing years will probably not hinder him as it would other players.
However, there are a couple of drawbacks of Everton recruiting the services of Barry. Despite arriving on a free transfer, Barry will not prove to be cheap for the Toffees due to his high wages.
His experience is an asset but there is also a fear that his presence could block the path of a couple of the youngsters in the first teams such as Ryan Ledson and John Lundstram.
The prospective arrival of Barry is certainly a positive one for Everton for the immediate future but in remains to be seen whether his three year contract will be justified.
