Leighton Baines

I'd like to say this isn't a knee jerk post based on a couple of games - I've held back for awhile on this, but rather like a lingering curry fart, it's better out than in.

I remember being alerted to Mr Baines 5 seasons ago during his time at Wigan where he was clearly a young and raw talent - excellent left foot, good touch, control and crosser of the ball, but not particularly attacking. Scored a few screamers, including the odd free kick.

Then he scored the winner against Germany in under 21 game, and his stock rose and Everton came a calling.

A fairly innocuous start to his Everton career as the hype died down - as tends to be the case - and with it has come consistently better season-upon-season performances from Baines, without too much attention.

This season though has been outstanding. Attacking-wise, his speed, vision, movement and delivery has been of the highest calibre, whilst defensively he has been consistently solid.

So, the question is this: has there been a better fullback in the league this season? Could Baines become a candidate for PFL player of the year, or are there too many other stand out individuals this season who have performend better?

I think you'll find it's spelt "Leighton Buzzard"

Second best left back in the league at the moment behind Ashley Cole with Enrique coming in at third place just in front of Clichy in fourth.

The rest of the left backs in the league aren't up to much.

Probably the best fullback going forward this season, but still gets skinned too easily from what i've seen.

Why have you started this thread? Are Spurs after him? Is 'arry sniffing around? Maybe he has stuck a bid in, knowing him it could range from a Nevillesque 500k to £20m.

Luis wrote:Second best left back in the league at the moment behind Ashley Cole with Enrique coming in at third place just in front of Clichy in fourth.

The rest of the left backs in the league aren't up to much.

Clichy?

Yes.

Assou-Ekotto has been up there with any of them, ta.

Clichy would as close to my bottom 5 as my top 5. I don't know if any Arsenal fans would care to pitch in, but for me he's having a poor season, he seems to get worse every season. I'd certainly put Evra and BAE ahead of him, Figueroa and Olsson too.

Glenndy Carroll wrote: Clichy would as close to my bottom 5 as my top 5. I don't know if any Arsenal fans would care to pitch in, but for me he's having a poor season, he seems to get worse every season. I'd certainly put Evra and BAE ahead of him, Figueroa and Olsson too.

To be fair clichy has been having a very poor season not sure about bottom 5 but he definatly not in the top 5

Clichy is great until he screws up. He has the potential to be a far better left back than the likes of Baines, not because of his technical ability - Baines is far better, but because of his physical speed. When on form he's the most solid defender i've seen in the premiership one on one, possibly with the exception of Cole.
He's played alight this season generally but has made some very poor errors.He's also shit in the air. Lots of fullbacks arent great, but its annoying.

To be fair since Arshavin got dropped his form has picked up. Not a suprise when you're given better defensive protection, something he's hardly had throughout his Arsenal career.

Glenndy Carroll wrote: Clichy would as close to my bottom 5 as my top 5. I don't know if any Arsenal fans would care to pitch in, but for me he's having a poor season, he seems to get worse every season. I'd certainly put Evra and BAE ahead of him, Figueroa and Olsson too.

Obviously Evra is almost on the level of Cashley when he's performing but the thread is about Baines being the best on current form. Evra has been largely poor this season.

If you'd take Figueroa over Clichy then that's your call but don't blame me when you get sacked

It does seem like Baines is a tad faster nowadays, but it's probably true that hyper athletic fullbacks are going to monopolise the places at big clubs. It looks like he's interacting well with Bilyaletdinov too, which is promising given that he'd previously been playing behind a solid, hard-working type in Pienaar. I'd imagine the biggest difficulty Baines faces is the retirement of Ashley Cole, when he'll presumably be expected to step up for England.

Until we get to see him shackle fast in-form wingers regularly he's unlikely to collect the highest accolades. Actually, anyone remember how he did against Nani in the Everton-United fixture?

Regarding the above post, don't ever expect him to be a regular for England, due to him being too poor one and one. Certainly an improvement from what we have to suffer with Glenn Johnson, but i'd prefer the like for like replacement of Gibbs, if he can have a good run of games with Arsenal.

I'm not slagging off Clichy, I was just surprised that anyone would think of him as one of the best left backs this season. Of Arsenal's first team regulars I would put him as their worst player. Like Kevin says he has improved of late but I'd still take the players I listed ahead of him.

Glenndy Carroll wrote:I'm not slagging off Clichy, I was just surprised that anyone would think of him as one of the best left backs this season. Of Arsenal's first team regulars I would put him as their worst player. Like Kevin says he has improved of late but I'd still take the players I listed ahead of him.

I put him in 4th ahead of all the other average to rubbish left backs currently infesting the league. And as I said if you really would take Figueroa over Clichy then that's your call. I just very much disagree with it.

Assou-Ekotto, Bale, Evra >>>>>>>>>> Clichy

Was good a few seasons ago, but this season

Chris 23* wrote:Assou-Ekotto, Bale, Evra >>>>>>>>>> Clichy

Was good a few seasons ago, but this season

Bale aint a left back.

This season I don't think Ekotto or Evra have been that much better than Clichy but obviously Evra is far better than both of them when he's on form.

Luis wrote:

Chris 23* wrote:Assou-Ekotto, Bale, Evra >>>>>>>>>> Clichy

Was good a few seasons ago, but this season

Bale aint a left back.

This season I don't think Ekotto or Evra have been that much better than Clichy but obviously Evra is far better than both of them when he's on form.

Pretty sure Bale is a LB, but as we know he's far more effective and better at LM/LW.

Bale >>> Clichy at LB

Chris 23* wrote:

Luis wrote:

Chris 23* wrote:Assou-Ekotto, Bale, Evra >>>>>>>>>> Clichy

Was good a few seasons ago, but this season

Bale aint a left back.

This season I don't think Ekotto or Evra have been that much better than Clichy but obviously Evra is far better than both of them when he's on form.

Pretty sure Bale is a LB, but as we know he's far more effective and better at LM/LW.

Bale >>> Clichy at LB

Been so long since I saw Bale in that position I can't remember if he was any good there. Didn't he play left back in his 10+ game run of games where when he played Spurs didn't win?

If Bale ever gets reverted back to that position then 'Arry is a nutter.

I am surprised to see a topic on Baines, nice to know that a player from a team not on form can get a recognition here.

For me Baines is clearly the best left back in Premier League at the moment - I don't think Cole has been so good (was better during last two seasons) that based on form he would deserve such a strong position for a #1 left back in England NT. It's more of his experience, understanding with other players, as well as Capello having to experiment with so many other positions, that makes his spot in NT so strong.
I do think Baines is faster than 2-3 seasons ago, he's also better in 1 on 1 situations attacking wise, as in the past he was mostly a threat when attacking an open space.
He still could improve defensively though. But the best thing about him is that I don't remember him having a poor game - he's solid (when having a bad day for his standards) or good/very good.

Regarding other left backs on the league - Clichy is IMO playing better than last year, but still far away from form he was showing in the past. I consider Assou Ekotto to be quite underrated and despite watching him for the 2nd season, I still can't make a proper opinion on Jose Enrique.

he's not a sexy choice, but Phil Bardsley has been outstanding at left back this season.

stinger wrote:I am surprised to see a topic on Baines, nice to know that a player from a team not on form can get a recognition here.

For me Baines is clearly the best left back in Premier League at the moment - I don't think Cole has been so good (was better during last two seasons) that based on form he would deserve such a strong position for a #1 left back in England NT. It's more of his experience, understanding with other players, as well as Capello having to experiment with so many other positions, that makes his spot in NT so strong.
I do think Baines is faster than 2-3 seasons ago, he's also better in 1 on 1 situations attacking wise, as in the past he was mostly a threat when attacking an open space.
He still could improve defensively though. But the best thing about him is that I don't remember him having a poor game - he's solid (when having a bad day for his standards) or good/very good.

Regarding other left backs on the league - Clichy is IMO playing better than last year, but still far away from form he was showing in the past. I consider Assou Ekotto to be quite underrated and despite watching him for the 2nd season, I still can't make a proper opinion on Jose Enrique.

Everton maybe off form in terms of consistency, but in terms of having the ability to play cohesive, attractive football, I'd put them up there in the top 5 teams I'd watch in the league. Some of the stuff they played against Blackpool was magnificent. And the joint 2nd toughest side we've played at WHL this season, alongside Liverpool and behind Man United

Another quality performance from Baines.

Got to be on the PFA shortlist along with Nasri, VDV, Tevez and Nani as it stands

We all know Berbatov will win PFA player of the year.

So are we all in agreement that Baines is now the best attacking Left Back in the league? Hmm? Hmm?

Opta and Fantasy football stats appear to suggest so.

Most chances created behind only santi Cazorla of ANY player in the league so far. Easily most of any defender last season too.

Extra points for being the anti-Ashley Cole - love of 50's 60's music, books, and sporting a haircut from George Best's era.

Yesterday's MOTM performance and penalty serving to highlight the form he is currently in.


Gol Baines Everton 1-1 by fontes31

Luckily,

I saw

this

coming.

Not

sure

Otto did though

Think

A

bout

it

Does anyone dislike Leighton Baines? I can't help but having a soft spot for him as he looks like a bassist in a 1970s band. And is called Leighton. What more do you want?

Hlebagone wrote:Does anyone dislike Leighton Baines? I can't help but having a soft spot for him as he looks like a bassist in a 1970s band. And is called Leighton. What more do you want?

Once he displaces Cole, will be nice to see someone who is actually likeable playing in the England team.

Stat attack

* Leighton Baines has made the most 'key passes' in the Premier League this season with 30 in seven games.