The sooner someone at Villa realises that Barry is a central midfielder the better for everyone. Its what he was before JG turned him into a defender, its the position he played when we bought him - its his natural game. Can tackle, can pass and is good coming into the box late, lacks something in the speed dept but isnt easily shrugged off the ball. Also scores the occaisional goal, which I'd expect him to increase if moved into the centre.
Villa fans have never apprreciated central mids since a certain mr Platt, its always been "he passes sideways", "He cant pass" "doesnt score enough" "LIGHTWEIGHT" etc etc
I've always thought he was a natural there, I've seen him have good games there (whilst other fans have slated him in the same game). I'd keep Barry like a shot, I'd just play him differently, I'd play him properly.
Rocafella, Barry has been abused as a player for many a year, played out of position. There arent too many English Cent Mids with the qualities Barry has - he just needs to be played correctly something DOL JG and GT have never really done
(its my opinion anyway)