Barry to equal PL record

As Gareth Barry is set to equal a Premier League record of 571 starts in the Merseyside derby, we look at an often understated career.

When you think of Manchester City’s incredible first Premier League title-winning season, Sergio Aguero’s goals, David Silva’s finesse and Yaya Toure’s rampaging runs often spring to mind.

However, certain roles, such as midfield anchors, are often overlooked by fans who don’t remember those who do the dirty work. Would Chelsea have won what they did without Claude Makelele? Barcelona without Sergio Busquets?

Gareth Barry has forged a career which includes over half a century of England caps by being that midfield metronome – orchestrating things from deep. Barry’s greatest achievement is helping anchor that City team that sensationally snatched the title from under arch rivals Manchester United’s noses in 2012.

Silva, still one of City’s leading lights, voted Barry his Player of the Season that year, and he was not alone in recognising the role Barry played in such success.

“Gareth is the man,” Joe Hart said. “When you start to panic, look at Gareth and he just keeps on doing what he is doing – and doing the unselfish role he does.”

Barry’s career is set to reach new …

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