Does Liverpool Need Gareth Barry?

Rafa Benitez has today suggested that Liverpool's move for Gareth Barry could still be on. The question which I am aiming to answer is this - Does Liverpool really need Gareth Barry?

During last night's 1-0 victory against Lazio, the Liverpool fans made it clear that they were not behind the manager's decision to continue the pursuit of the 28 year-old Aston Villa midfielder. The fans seem happy with the performance of Xabi Alonso, the player that Rafa Benitez would need to sell to finance the Barry deal, and chanted his name throughout the game. Therefore, any move for Barry which involves the sale of Alonso is sure to upset the fans, and with tensions rising between the manager and owners over the funding of this transfer, Rafa Benitez could need the support of the fans to help keep him in his job.

Rafa Benitez has today increased the speculation that Barry will be signed by saying that he is confident in signing an English left-sided midfielder who can play 3 different positions. He would not provide a specific name but it is obvious that he was referring to the Aston Villa captain. Liverpool is short on the left side of midfield, but can Barry do a job for Liverpool on the left wing? I believe that this is not Barry's strongest position and for £18 million Liverpool should surely be targeting an orthodox left footed winger such as Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing, who would surely command a much lower transfer fee. It does not matter that Barry can also play at left back or his preferred position as a central midfielder as Liverpool has many talented players, including Alonso, who can play in these positions. Clearly Barry is a talented player but not World Class. For £18 million you would want a world class midfielder who can improve the squad, not just merely replace another central midfielder.

Therefore, I believe that Liverpool does not need Gareth Barry, but on the other hand Barry is a very good player and would do a good job for any team. My only issue would be the sale of Xabi Alonso. Alonso had a difficult season last year because of injuries but has already demonstrated in pre-season the sort of form shown in previous seasons and in Euro 2008.

In summary, Liverpool would benefit from having a player like Barry at the club but it should not be at the expense of Xabi Alonso.