Gareth Barry has been one of Everton’s star players so far this season.
Jamie Redknapp has admitted to the Daily Mail that he had doubts over whether Gareth Barry could perform in an Everton side managed by Ronald Koeman.
Barry was a key part of Roberto Martinez’s Everton team last season, but there were question marks over whether he would be included as part of Koeman’s starting line-up when the Dutch boss first took over.
Any doubts over whether Barry would have a key role to play have now been cast aside, though, with the 35-year-old enjoying a wonderful start to the season.
Barry has already scored twice for Everton, and he played in his 600th Premier League match at the weekend against Middlesbrough.
It is a remarkable achievement, and Redknapp believes that the midfielder’s prolonged time at the top shows that players that are not lightening quick can still have a brilliant career.
“I played against him when he was 16 and already lining up in midfield for Aston Villa. He was an intelligent player and technically gifted, but I feared he would struggle to make it due to his lack of pace,” Redknapp said.
“Even this season, with a new manager and a quicker style of football at Everton, I thought it might be too much for the 35-year-old. But, as he showed with his goal against Middlesbrough, he’s still got plenty to offer. We talk about how football is only for real athletes these days, but Barry’s continued success shows that’s not the case.”
Koeman demands a high pressing style, but Barry appears to be thriving under the former Southampton boss’s guidance.
Barry’s partnership with Idrissa Gueye in Everton’s midfield has been highly impressive, and has been a key reason behind the Toffees’ good form this term.
Everton are unbeaten in their first five Premier League matches, and currently sit in second place in the Premier League table.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
