I have officially joined after today. Great work rate, hard not to admire. Need more to show his commitment and drive.
Agree totally. But from what I've seen of us lately, HR's got him playing too deep. Barton's most effective going box to box. Haven't seen today's game, though.
If people don't like him as a person then that's understandable. If they can't appreciate the difference he makes to this team they are blinded by their dislike of him as a person.
He was the best one from the bad bunch of pub-players on the first half and third best after Phillips and Ekotto on the much better second half. We really need this player if we hope to have any chance of promotion.
I honestly thought that was one of his worst games of the season. I thought most of his passing was poor. But yes a big fan
I was ok with him at the start of the season. As I said then, he owes us, if he leads us to promotion we're quits. He could still play a role if we go up...
Still personally hate the bloke, but credit where it is due, last couple of games I've sen him play he has done well for us. Obviously / maybe found his level and important to our cause this season. As long as he keeps putting it in he'll get no abuse form me, much as I dislike him
I was one of those who was very happy to see him go to France but now I'm even happier to see him back: my player of the season to date. His work rate, drive, tackling and (generally) his passing are all top notch. Whilst we have some very committed players, not everyone shows the same desire as Joey.
I'm sure Fernandes said the same. Don't think he could have played for us last season after what happened at the Etihad, and I didn't want him back. He's been good this season, though, probably the difference between us challenging for promotion and disappearing into championship mediocrity.
Can't stand the bloke but he undoubtedly cares and has been a very important player thus far. However, his distribution is patchy at best and he will never be as good as he likes to think he is. His sending off recently was a glimpse of the real Barton and I fear he will re-emerge again.
