Gareth Barry has featured just seven times in the Championship for West Bromwich Albion this season.
Graeme Jones has worked with some hugely talented players throughout his coaching career from Romelu Lukaku to Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne to Mousa Dembele.
But speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT (20 November, 11.45am), the West Brom assistant has paid special tribute to Gareth Barry – despite the veteran midfielder’s lack of first-team games this season.
The 37-year-old, who became the Premier League’s all-time record appearance maker last season, has started just three Championship games all season and has missed the last few weeks with injury.
And Jones believes that Barry’s professionalism and consistency should not be underestimated as he continues to stand out on the training pitch even towards the end of his storied playing career.
“He’s the most consistent professional I’ve ever worked with. His emotional control is what’s impressive about Gareth. He never gets too high, never gets too low,” Jones told talkSPORT, who also worked alongside Barry during a three-year spell at Everton.
“I think Gareth’s capable of doing anything. He’s had a fantastic career. He’s 37 year old and he still pushes himself, he still wants to play the game. It’s a lesson for everybody.”
It is a testament to the former Manchester City and Aston Villa midfielder’s humility and love for the game that he put himself forward to play for West Brom’s academy team during the Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Macclesfield Town last week.
It is that hunger that makes Barry a special character in the modern game.
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