Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has revealed that he advised former manager Rafa Benitez against signing Gareth Barry as he believes that the player would not be a good replacement for Xabi Alonso.
The 36-year-old Barry is currently the most experienced player in the Premier League and his set to break the record for most appearances in the top flight when he steps onto the field for the 633rd time as West Brom takes on Arsenal on Monday.
During his career Barry has turned out for the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester City and Everton. He was once the subject of interest from Liverpool when Alonso joined Real Madrid, however Gerrard advised then Reds manager Benitez against signing the player.
He said, “He [Rafael Benitez] wanted to move Xabi [Alonso] on and bring in Gareth [Barry] in. Now, for me that wasn’t the right move, although I’m a big fan of Gareth Barry. I’d had rather had him in to play alongside Xabi, because I think they could’ve worked together.”
