Baines is playing in the wrong position

However, I am wondering if it may be better for the club and team overall if he can strengthen the midfield by replacing the slowing Barry – great last year, but not so this. Baines is definitely unproven in the midfield position as yet, but maybe worth a try if it could help retain the services of a very, very promising young replacement at left back.

I don't think it will happen in time to keep Garbutt though as I am sure Leighton values his England place highly!

I wasn't too keen on this type of idea a few years back but Baines isn't as sharp cutting crosses out as he once was but his left foot is like a wand, his crossing from open play is second to none for quality.

I can't believe our Spanish manager can't give it a try especially as he's been without any options in left mid.

Baines is a quick natural attacker who could surge forward from the left midfield role. He may end up in the Barry position but I wouldn't like to see him staying deep.

I also think that Coleman used to get more help from Jags when Distin was in the team. Distin may not be able to play great football but he understood his position and helped to organise the back four when the full-backs were up the field.

So yes, you're right. Jags would always guard Coleman but Baines is often left high and dry. Garbutt likewise.

Think both of them are classy enough.

Baines can add to the repertoire that can phase Barry out, and it'll be an interesting midfield to consider e.g. how to still get Gibson involved while utilizing Besic and McCarthy.

I also remember Moyes playing him left midfield a few times when Lescott was keeping him out of the team. He was anonymous each time. He's a left back all day for me.

He also gets much more time and space on the ball playing left back than he ever would in midfield. Just because a striker can tackle doesn't mean he should play centre half!

As stated above already, he misses his cover and his partner in Pienaar.

For all the good our other wingers are, Coleman could play in front of Browning. In a 4-4-2, when defending, we could have real strength in depth.

As Patrick said, he has missed Pienaar and Distin.
Poor old Jags can't be everywhere, but yesterday it seemed that he was!

They love to overlap and can trust people to cover for them. It isn't by mistake that the two recent performances (bar Kyiv) have seen more natural width and two positive results. I don't think 4-4-2 is the 'magic bullet' but I do think having someone in front of the full back helps immensely and helps their attacking and defensive games.

For what it's worth, I think Baines is a quality footballer who could play left back, left midfield or centre midfield.