Wishlist Leighton Baines

[LDN Blue 7,903]

You have to remember, Baines is very successful at Everton because of his link-up play with Pienaar on the same flank. Both of them will defend and attack, so they can alternate. If we were to sign Baines I think he'd be too exposed on the left, because it's not like Hazard or Mata will be doing the same kind of job Pienaar does. Food for thought.

[Styles 9,790]

You have to remember, Baines is very successful at Everton because of his link-up play with Pienaar on the same flank. Both of them will defend and attack, so they can alternate. If we were to sign Baines I think he'd be too exposed on the left, because it's not like Hazard or Mata will be doing the same kind of job Pienaar does. Food for thought.

But on the other hand he would offer us far more going forward than Ashley Cole does today. Baines' delivery from open play and set-pieces is arguably the best in the league. He effectively changes the way teams line-up against them by forcing them to overload their right side. We played Ramires there to counter his threat and he still ended up having a very good game.

Defensively Ashley is stronger. If Ashley had good power and accuracy with his crosses he'd be comfortably better but offensively his delivery in the final third is very poor.

If we were playing a poor team at home and we have 70% of the ball I'd prefer Baines to Ashley. If we're playing Barcelona at home and we need our defenders to defend I'd prefer Ashley.

[Stats 7,142]

Going to again state that I want Baines as our LB next season. Cole is not at it any more and next season onwards will only decline, lets face it. Against Southampton tonight, Cole was not shit but what did he offer going forward. A game like this, where your LB is considered by many as the best in his position in the world you would expect much more. If Baines was playing, you would of seen a much more deadlier attack who support the wide players. Cesar was decent going forward but we need a Baines type player to do the exact same thing on the other flank. This is why at points this season at home especially we have looked clueless in looking to score the goals when needed. We need help from the fullback/wingbacks and especially from Cole which he is not doing much any more. Every game I watch Baines I think what a quality player, who pretty much offers you everything you need and rarely slips up in defence.

[TacticalBlues 2,817]

Good player but what of Van Aanholt? Since Rutten took over he along with Kalas, but especially PVA, have been hugely impressive. PVA filled in Buttner (who Alex Ferguson signed for United) boots and has shown even more ability than he did.

[Shogun 721]

It honestly wouldn't be worth us selling him for less than £25m and it wouldn't be worth any other team buying him for more than £15m. He's a grounded home boy and pretty much the perfect footballing role model on and off the pitch.

[TorontoChelsea 4,064]

It honestly wouldn't be worth us selling him for less than £25m and it wouldn't be worth any other team buying him for more than £15m. He's a grounded home boy and pretty much the perfect footballing role model on and off the pitch.

In a case like this (where a player is worth more to his club than he would be to anyone else) the only way the player moves is if he wants to go. It would be reasonable at his age to want a crack at winning the Premier League or the Champions League, but for some players, being in a good, comfortable situation is more to their liking. To each their own.

[Shane 2,275]

Big fish in a small pond imo, no disrespect to Everton. Don't think he'd be as impressive at a top side, but then again, drawing 2-2 at home to Southampton hardly screams top side...

[Shogun 721]

In a case like this (where a player is worth more to his club than he would be to anyone else) the only way the player moves is if he wants to go. It would be reasonable at his age to want a crack at winning the Premier League or the Champions League, but for some players, being in a good, comfortable situation is more to their liking. To each their own.

He's a quiet guy who just loves playing football. doesn't seem money orientated, He's married with two kids (I think the oldest is about nine). I think he's put his family first in life, realises he has a dream 'job' and loves where he is. There's nothing wrong with that.

[Mufassir08 2,400]

Good player but what of Van Aanholt? Since Rutten took over he along with Kalas, but especially PVA, have been hugely impressive. PVA filled in Buttner (who Alex Ferguson signed for United) boots and has shown even more ability than he did.

Agreed PVA has been arguebly the best left back in the eredivisie this season.

[Stats 7,142]

Rest my case! Best LB in the Premier League. Brilliant goal!

Edit: 2 goals, nearly on double figures for the season. Quality!

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Would rather have Shaw to be honest. More of a gamble as Baines is obviously the better player at present, but Shaw is raw talent right now. Incredible potential.

[Stats 7,142]

Another excellent game he had yesterday. Best player on the field. Even though he is a fullback he has been there most creative player, along with Piennar , this season. Quality LB. really deserves more praise. Obviously not going to see him here next season because of Cole but I am sure Baines is still going to outperform him.

[Ollie 4,400]

Everton have put an £18m valuation on Leighton Baines. We need to really look at this, Cole has 1 year, maybe 2. Baines is perfect to replace him and worth every penny of the £18m valuation. DO IT!

[drog.ba 239]

No thanks, Baines is already 28 and never worth £18m, prefer if we went for Shaw as Cole's replacement

[Ollie 4,400]

Shaw is adament he's gonna stay at Southampton for a good few years yet. If Everton Value Baines at £18m, we could probably get him for £14m. He has so many qualities, he could play for 4 more seasons at a great level.