Many football fans would agree Gareth Barry has always been somewhat underrated. Sure, the Evertonmidfielder has never been the most extravagantly gifted footballer, but you don’t get towards 600 Premier Leagueappearances without being an effective player.
However, Roberto Martinez stating that Barry is up there with Sir Bobby Moore, Sir Bobby Charlton, Gary Linekerand Bryan Robson seems justever so slightlyover the top.
Talking about his stand-in captain ahead of the defeat to Swansea, the Everton boss said:
“For me, he is one of the best English players ever. He could end up with 600 Premier League appearances this season. The way he behaves and the way he plays you can build a team around him.”
We could spend time trying to explain how the football world has reacted to this incredible claim. But thankfully, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry managed to do it all for us, in one split-second.