Gareth Barry’s unspectacular but crucial contribution has helped the Blues to the top of the Barclays Premier League and seen him become one of the first names on Roberto Mancini’s team sheets.
He was many people’s man of the match in Sunday’s epic win over Arsenal and team-mate Lescott is keen to sing his praises.
“Gareth has been immense for club and country” Joleon declared. “He is one of those players who you don’t really appreciate until he’s not there.
“Every game he is consistent, so you can’t sing his praises enough. I’ll bet if you ask any of our midfielders who they most want to play with, their partner would be Gareth Barry.”
With so many attacking midfield options at the manager’s disposal, it was thought in some quarters that Barry may be edged out but Joleon thinks that by sticking to his guns everything has worked out for the best.
“I don’t think he has changed anything, to be honest. He has played his own consistent game. He believes in himself, and we all believe in him, and you need people like that to balance attack and defence.
He has shown his quality consistently throughout last season and this season.
The defender has also reflected on the changes that have occurred since Roberto Mancini took over as manager two years ago.
“When he first came I was injured, and fair play to him, he didn’t change too much. He came here in mid-season after the regime of Mark Hughes and didn’t change a lot.
“But when we came back for pre-season the next summer, he could put his own stamp on things, and that is what he did.
“He changed us as a whole. Last season we got a lot of uncalled-for negative publicity because the goals weren’t flowing freely.
“But this year we have the belief and the confidence to score more goals, and added to the organisation we had last year we have felt the benefit.”
