Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

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Mala591
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Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Mala591 » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:06 am

Central midfield is the linchpin of the whole team performance, so who would your choice be? A few players spring immediately to mind:

Trevor Steven, Steven Defour, Joey Barton, Brian Miller, John Deary, Brian O'Neil

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by ClaretTony » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:08 am

Mala591 wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:06 am
Central midfield is the linchpin of the whole team performance, so who would your choice be? A few players spring immediately to mind:

Trevor Steven, Steven Defour, Joey Barton, Brian Miller, John Deary, Brian O'Neil
Brian Miller was hardly what you would call a central midfielder - although the game was different then, and he mainly played at left-half, I'd consider him more of a central defender.

But if you want to go back to the Miller era then you will find surely the best central midfielder of them all - Jimmy McIlroy.
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Quickenthetempo » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:12 am

Centre midfield has been Burnley's weak area in all my time watching. From 88 onwards.

I'm struggling to think of a CM in that time actually getting sold on for money?

Was Gerry Harrison playing there when he went to Sunderland? Did Jones command a fee from Sheff Wed?

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Mala591 » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:13 am

I am sure you are right Tony, Brian Miller was slightly before my time. I always considered McIlroy as a wide half back but again before my time. Did Jimmy Adamson play central midfield?

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by JonBerro » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:20 am

In recent times, have to mention Defour and Barton.
Both special talents
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by ClaretTony » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:27 am

Quickenthetempo wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:12 am
Centre midfield has been Burnley's weak area in all my time watching. From 88 onwards.

Did Jones command a fee from Sheff Wed?
It wasn't weak in Dyche's first promotion season when Marney and Jones were simply outstanding. As for Jones and Sheff Wed, he did command a fee, and a substantial one.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by ClaretTony » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:29 am

Mala591 wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:13 am
I am sure you are right Tony, Brian Miller was slightly before my time. I always considered McIlroy as a wide half back but again before my time. Did Jimmy Adamson play central midfield?
Jimmy Mac was never a half back, always an inside forward which in today's language means an attacking midfielder. Adamson played as a half back, a more defensive midfielder, and also at centre half.
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Bin Ont Turf » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:30 am

Obviously it has to be Jimmy Mc.

I can only assume it's the Trevor Steven who played for Everton :roll:

Martin Dobson and Doug Collins for a mention.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Darthlaw » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:30 am

In my time watching it's between Defour and Barton. Difficult to separate as they were both different types of players, so I can't pick between.
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by 2 Bee Holed » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:39 am

Detour on occasion was world class.
For consistently good season after season
Martin Dobson.
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Ric_C » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:50 am

My three favourite CM's over the years have been Defour, Barton and Deary
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Vegas Claret » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:55 am

clearly Tarkowski :D

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Terrier » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:56 am

Ralph coates.....now close the thread, i've won

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by fatboy47 » Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:57 am

That would be Brian O'Neil.
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by ashtonlongsider » Mon Aug 03, 2020 12:02 pm

It's certainly what we're short of at the moment and for me the prime position for consideration in this window. Our greatest ever player, Jimmy Mcllroy who played CM is the obvious choice. However I have to mention in passing Brian O'Neil, Martin Dobson and Joey Barton. The best up and coming being Trevor Steven.
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by summitclaret » Mon Aug 03, 2020 12:05 pm

Jimmy obviously the best, but no one has mentioned Gordon Harris yet. Wonderful range of passing and as hard as nails. Fantastic partnership in with O'Neil. Also on my list would be Dobbo , Steven and Dave Thomas. The latter 2 played most of the time out wide after leaving us
What a waste of rare top class midfield generals.
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Quickenthetempo » Mon Aug 03, 2020 12:08 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:27 am
It wasn't weak in Dyche's first promotion season when Marney and Jones were simply outstanding. As for Jones and Sheff Wed, he did command a fee, and a substantial one.
I meant over the full duration.

But even when you say Marney and Jones were outstanding, other areas of the team were far stronger far us. The front two far starters.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by huw.Y.WattfromWare » Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:28 pm

Different eras, different styles of football but Jimmy Mac has to be number1 with Dobo and Trevor Steven behind him.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by claretonthecoast1882 » Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:30 pm

Can't believe David Edgar hasn't had a mention

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by claretandy » Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:31 pm

Ric_C wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:50 am
My three favourite CM's over the years have been Defour, Barton and Deary
This.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Devils_Advocate » Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:47 pm

If it wasn't for his tragic injury I truly believe Jon Walters would have gone on to become our greatest ever central midfield player and maybe even our greatest ever player.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Vino blanco » Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:50 pm

Brian Miller was a centre back. Our best central midfielder is without doubt Jimmy Mac, followed, in my opinion, by Brian O'Neil, who was a one man midfield on his day. Other very good players like Steven, Dobson, Collins, Defour have been deservedly mentioned, though none of them will ever compare fully to Mr. McIlroy.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Longsidelenny1882 » Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:50 pm

Nurse can you please attend to devils advocate utc

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by claretonthecoast1882 » Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:52 pm

Longsidelenny1882 wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:50 pm
Nurse can you please attend to devils advocate utc
Just a troll seeking attention, don't give it him
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Burypaddy » Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:56 pm

Trevor Steven for me even on the **** pitches at the time.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Dy1geo » Mon Aug 03, 2020 2:06 pm

Been watching since 1985 and to me it has to be Defour, to get a player of his quality at the Turf in this modern era was great. He seemed to always choose the correct option and like great players do, he made it look easy.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by quoonbeatz » Mon Aug 03, 2020 2:18 pm

In the modern era it's Defour by a very long way. He had the lot; tackling, shooting, positioning, vision and a weight of pass rivalled only by djemba-djemba.

Some of the football we played with him in the team during that first half of the season we finished 7th was the best I've ever seen a Burnley team play.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Rowls » Mon Aug 03, 2020 2:28 pm

Best over a single season would have to be Barton in the championship year.

Best "ever" would have to be Defour even if it was really only for half a season or so.

Honourable mention to:

Dean Marney for Dyche's first promotion season
John Deary
Ashley Westwood's form since January
Cork's form first half of 2016/17 season
Paul Cook
Kevin Ball

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Quicknick » Mon Aug 03, 2020 2:33 pm

Mala591 wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:06 am
Central midfield is the linchpin of the whole team performance, so who would your choice be? A few players spring immediately to mind:

Trevor Steven, Steven Defour, Joey Barton, Brian Miller, John Deary, Brian O'Neil
John Deary?!

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Quicknick » Mon Aug 03, 2020 2:36 pm

Brian O'Neil.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by NottsClaret » Mon Aug 03, 2020 2:43 pm

Defour. He could play football against the very best sides, not just make us 'hard to beat', and looked at ease at that level. A real eye opener having a Champions League type player in our side even if it was sadly all too rarely. Also showed how Dyche would maybe have us playing if we could afford more of that quality.

Also a mention for Barton, a very good player but more than that an incredible leader for us, absolutely dragged us to that title.
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Giftonsnoidea » Mon Aug 03, 2020 2:53 pm

Defour’s lob against Bristol City in the cup was unreal , never seen a goal like it before or since.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Stalbansclaret » Mon Aug 03, 2020 2:57 pm

It's between Trevor Steven and Steven Defour and the latter probably gets it because Steven only played for us when still a youngster. However I remember watching him and thinking he had that rare ability to "glide" that only true class players possess. The good thing is that I also see Dwight McNeill evidencing this when he is at his best.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by ClaretTony » Mon Aug 03, 2020 3:09 pm

Quickenthetempo wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 12:08 pm
I meant over the full duration.

But even when you say Marney and Jones were outstanding, other areas of the team were far stronger far us. The front two far starters.
The front two were fantastic in 2013/14 but the key to that promotion was Marney & Jones
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by KRBFC » Mon Aug 03, 2020 3:14 pm

I thought Djemba Djemba was excellent with us on loan, quite rightly he’s nowhere near consideration for this title though.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by MACCA » Mon Aug 03, 2020 3:19 pm

Giftonsnoidea wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 2:53 pm
Defour’s lob against Bristol City in the cup was unreal , never seen a goal like it before or since.
Just edging out his solo winner v Hull where more obscene skill was on show, then in 3rd place his masterclass free kick at Old Trafford.

Just look at those 3 different goals and the difference in skill and technique to see why he was the greatest and most skillful CM to wear the Burnley shirt for at least the 30 years I've been watching Burnley..

Simply incredible. I doubt another player has scored 3 goals as good as that in their time with us.

Edit - all 3 goals on the link, well worth 2 minutes of anyones time

https://youtu.be/hQ9YrIJbwHU

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Cirrus_Minor » Mon Aug 03, 2020 3:41 pm

Both Adamson and McIlroy - outstanding players, but whilst I saw them, I was a bit young to appreciate if honest.
O'Neil - Fantastic all round player, could dribble, pass, shoot and boy could he tackle.
Dobson - Graceful box to box talented midfielder who had it all.
Coates - Converted winger, who was simply outstanding and at times unplayable. My choice as best.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by AfloatinClaret » Mon Aug 03, 2020 3:52 pm

MACCA wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 3:19 pm
Just edging out his solo winner v Hull where more obscene skill was on show...https://youtu.be/hQ9YrIJbwHU
Thanks for the link, I'd never seen the Hull goal; that first touch was definitely a touch above average. ;)

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Giftonsnoidea » Mon Aug 03, 2020 4:14 pm

MACCA wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 3:19 pm
Just edging out his solo winner v Hull where more obscene skill was on show, then in 3rd place his masterclass free kick at Old Trafford.

Just look at those 3 different goals and the difference in skill and technique to see why he was the greatest and most skillful CM to wear the Burnley shirt for at least the 30 years I've been watching Burnley..

Simply incredible. I doubt another player has scored 3 goals as good as that in their time with us.

Edit - all 3 goals on the link, well worth 2 minutes of anyones time

https://youtu.be/hQ9YrIJbwHU

I’ve watched that lob quite a few times and I still don’t know how he’s got that dip and elevation on it from what looks like a toe poke, it would make a great YouTube video if he explained it himself

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by GodIsADeeJay81 » Mon Aug 03, 2020 4:30 pm

David Jones.

At one point he was the only fit CM that we had but he held us together.

Master of the legendary sideways pass.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by jurek » Mon Aug 03, 2020 5:40 pm

Martin Dobson and Brian O'Neil from my early days
watching the Clarets.

Can't think of anyone from more recent times apart from
Defour. We could do with someone like him now.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by whiffa » Mon Aug 03, 2020 5:44 pm

Joey Barton for me. Immense.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Gp8419 » Mon Aug 03, 2020 5:47 pm

Barton was superb in winning the title,defour undoubtedly most gifted.But my votes for Westwood don’t think many would vote for him but so consistent and done it at the top level consistently aswell rarely as a bad game.early 90s for me onwards

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by ClaretTony » Mon Aug 03, 2020 5:51 pm

Cirrus_Minor wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 3:41 pm
Both Adamson and McIlroy - outstanding players, but whilst I saw them, I was a bit young to appreciate if honest.
O'Neil - Fantastic all round player, could dribble, pass, shoot and boy could he tackle.
Dobson - Graceful box to box talented midfielder who had it all.
Coates - Converted winger, who was simply outstanding and at times unplayable. My choice as best.
Some talent in that list and you wonder just how good Dobbo would have been had he had some pace

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Mala591 » Mon Aug 03, 2020 6:00 pm

When Jack Cork was playing alongside Defour he played (imo)by far the best football of his career. So although not the best central midfielder he deserves to be mentioned amongst all the other 'greats'.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Winstonswhite » Mon Aug 03, 2020 6:01 pm

Quickenthetempo wrote:
Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:12 am
Centre midfield has been Burnley's weak area in all my time watching. From 88 onwards.

I'm struggling to think of a CM in that time actually getting sold on for money?

Was Gerry Harrison playing there when he went to Sunderland? Did Jones command a fee from Sheff Wed?
Adrian Randall is still York City’s record buy 25 years ago. £140k
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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by jedi_master » Mon Aug 03, 2020 6:34 pm

Can’t believe we’ve got this far and nobody has mentioned Neil Wood.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by bfcjg » Mon Aug 03, 2020 6:40 pm

Peter Noble.

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by JohnDearyMe » Mon Aug 03, 2020 6:45 pm

John Deary

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Re: Who is/was our best ever central midfield player?

Post by Mala591 » Mon Aug 03, 2020 6:47 pm

Whoops, forgot to mention another of my favourites - Brian Flynn.

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