Why Roberto Martinez Must Use Muhamed Besic to Replace Injured Gareth Barry
Roberto Martinez has the tough task of replacing one of his most influential players over the upcoming fixtures.
Gareth Barry was stretchered off against Sunderland with a leg brace, and, while the exact prognosis remains unclear, he seems unlikely to feature in the near future.
Darron Gibson came on to replace the veteran during that game, but it's Muhamed Besic whom Martinez should turn to over the coming fixtures.
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Barry performs a key role for Everton on and off the ball.
In possession, he will drop between the centre-backs and draw opponents forward before driving the Toffees' up the field. He regularly records more passes than any of his team-mates and is integral to Martinez's possession approach.
It's his job to keep the tempo high with minimal touches and some clever angled passes, using the space behind a side once he's drawn them forward.
Both Besic and Gibson can perform this role well, as could Ross Barkley, potentially. When fit, Gibson played this position for Everton under David Moyes, albeit in less of a pass-heavy system.
Besic spent most of his time at Ferencvaros playing in defence, but this is the role he regularly plays for Bosnia. Indeed, he averaged the most passes for his country at the World Cup along with the best passing average as he sat in front of the back four.
"Besic dominated Bosnia's stats in the World Cup. (stats from FIFA & WhoScored) #Besic #EFC @Everton @EvertonNewsFeed pic.twitter.com/feYksivUOy
— BHDragons (@BH_Dragons) August 7, 2014"
This, though, is where the comparisons end between Besic, Gibson and Barkley in terms of a potential successor. Barry's role is just as crucial off the ball, and it's the Bosnian who can mimic the veteran's production far closer in this department.
Barry's awareness of runners and ability to pressurise and hassle attackers, coupled with his uncompromising approach to tackling, are all vital to the Toffees' approach.
Able to make just one Premier League appearance as a substitute last season, Gibson's injury troubles have slowed this side of his game.
Playing against Krasnodar in the Europa League this season, the Russian's fired in shot after shot during the first half, often capitalising on the space around Gibson as he failed to track his runners.
Despite making three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, the Ireland international is also yet to record a successful tackle, highlighting his current shortcomings.
There's nothing to say this aspect of Gibson's game won't return as he continues regaining match sharpness, but this is the time for Martinez to unleash his summer signing.
Off the ball, Besic proved himself mightily effective at the World Cup, limiting Lionel Messi's impact against Argentina and, more recently, thwarting Gareth Bale.
He ran more kilometres than any other Bosnia player during the World Cup, and he can provide the same varying influence that Barry does so well at both ends of the field.
He has the dynamism and tenacity to shine in this role and offers more in both aspects of the game than any other option available to Martinez.
As mentioned, another choice to replace Barry could potentially be Barkley. The attacker may eventually become a box-to-box midfielder but seems better utilised in an attacking role at this early stage of his career.
He won't have the positional discipline and anticipation off the ball that's required in this role, especially as one of just two central midfielders.
This is very much Besic's chance to fully introduce himself to Premier League audiences.
He is the more rounded option for this role, and at just 22, he has the potential to radically progress with a steady stream of games ahead of him.
Brought in for just £4 million, a run in the team over the next few weeks may soon make his signing fee seem like a steal.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
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