The Everton midfielder is set to make his 600th Premier League appearance this weekend.
Everton star Seamus Coleman has told the club’s official website he is not surprised by Gareth Barry’s 600 game record.
The veteran midfielder is set to play in his 600th Premier League game on Saturday evening when the Blues take on Middlesbrough.
It is an impressive tally for the former Aston Villa and Manchester City midfielder, who is only behind Ryan Giggs and Frank Lampard in the appearance standings.
While they were headline players, Barry has largely been the quiet workmanlike figure in the teams he has played for.
That makes his record something of a surprise to some but not Coleman, who says it is because his teammate is a top professional.
“It’s a massive achievement – but I’m not surprised because Gareth is a top professional,” he told the club’s official website.
“If you ask any lads in the squad, they have massive respect for him. He commands respect from his fellow professionals. We are lucky that he’s playing for us.”
Barry will now be hoping to add to his collection across this season as he looks to help the Blues bounce back from two disappointing seasons.
He has been a regular in Ronald Koeman’s side so far, starting all four games alongside Idrissa Gueye in central midfield.
He has impressed too, playing a key role as they have made their best start in a decade .
They are currently third in the table with 10 points from their first four games and he will be keen to help them maintain that form and get closer to the likes of Lampard and Giggs in the standings.
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