Do Liverpool really need Gareth Barry?

I ask this question after there were fresh reports in some newspapers today that Liverpool were ready to make a summer move for the Aston Villa midfielder.

Yes, after all last summer's constant speculation, Gareth Barry has once again been linked with a move to Anfield. After admitting earlier this year that he would leave Villa Park if Martin O'Neill's men didn't qualify for the Champions League this season (which now looks pretty certain), he has today been linked with a cut-price £8 million move to Merseyside.

The reason for the massive decrease in his price-tag is the fact that his contract is due to expire at the end of next season. We all know that Reds boss Rafa Benitez is a big admirer of Barry's, however does he really need another central midfield player at the club.

My personal response to that would be no.

Benitez already has three quality central midfielders to chose from in the shape of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. He also has the likes of Lucas and Damien Plessis if he is really stuck, so bringing Barry to the club would just be a waste of money.

There's no denying Barry is one of the best midfielders currently plying his trade in the Premier League, but is he better than the three currently filling the midfield for Liverpool at the moment? I don't think so.

What do you think? Should Benitez do all he can to bring Barry to the club or should he spend his money elsewhere? Comments below please.

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Is Gerrard really the best player in the Premier League? Benitez certainly thinks so

Over the last two Premier League games, there is no denying that Steven Gerrard has been head and shoulders above anyone in the league, however over the course of the season, has the 28-year old done enough to be crowned PFA Player of the Year?

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez certainly thinks so.

The Spaniard had this to say : "He would be my vote. If he can continue playing at this level, then why not? ... For me, Stevie is one of the best players in the world. To say one is the best above anyone else is difficult because there are a lot of quality players about but he is one of the best. That is clear."

His performances against Manchester United and Aston Villa respectively, were quite frankly, world class. There is no doubt that come the end of the season, when players have to vote for their Player of the Season, Gerrard will certainly be on quite a number of the ballots, however will he get enough votes to be crowned Player of the Year?

Before the United game two weeks ago, the only name really being mentioned to take the award was Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic. It just goes to show you how quickly things can change in football. On one hand you have Vidic, who had a nightmare of a game before eventually being sent off and on the other hand you have Gerrard who plays incredibly well and is automatically considered by many the Player of the Season.

Personally, I would agree with Rafa that Gerrard is the best in the league at the moment and if he continues this kind of form, how could he miss out.

So will Gerrard be the man to take the award come the end of May or will it be Vidic, or anyone else for the matter, to take the award? Comments below please.

Cristiano ronaldo

Full name Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
Date of birth 5 February 1985 (1985-02-05) (age 24)
Place of birth Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Playing position Winger
Club information
Current club Manchester United
Number 7

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Ricardo Quaresma

Full name: Ricardo Andrade Quaresma Bernardo
Date of birth: September 26, 1983 (1983-09-26) (age 25)
Place of birth: Lisbon, Portugal
Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Playing position: Winger
Club information:
Current club Chelsea
(on loan from Internazionale)
Number: 18

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