Thursday, 3rd April, 2014
Gareth Barry has rated his Everton team-mate and midfield partner James McCarthy as one of the best midfielders playing in the Premier League.
On 2nd September, transfer deadline day, Barry was loaned to Everton on a season long deal from Manchester City.
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With more than 500 appearances in the Premier League for Aston Villa, Manchester City and Everton, Barry has the experience of playing with some top midfield talents. According to the 33-year-old, McCarthy is one of the top young midfield talents in the Premier League.
“For me, from playing alongside him, in terms of influencing games, James is up there with the best already”, the Englishman told Everton TV.
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The former Manchester City player admits that he knew that the Irishman was talented but playing and training alongside the former Wigan midfielder has made him realise how good he actually is.
Until you play with someone week in week out it’s hard to judge how good somebody is.
“I had obviously played against James before and knew he was a really good player, but to train and play alongside him for a whole season you realise that for someone so young he is so mature.”
McCarthy joined Everton from Wigan for a transfer fee of £13m in 2013. He has already made 27 league appearances for Roberto Martinez’s team this season and has provided three assists.
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