Petrov - Barry is England's best

Petrov: Pleased with Barry

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Stilian Petrov says Gareth Barry is now England's best midfielder.

The Bulgarian international feels his Aston Villa colleague has moved ahead of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard as the country's top midfield man.

Barry lines up against Lampard on Sunday and Petrov feels anyone looking to break into the national side should take a close look at the 27-year-old.

"Other players who are trying to break into the English national team should learn from Gareth," he said.

"He was fighting with two of the best midfield players in the world in Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, and now you can say Gareth is the main guy in the England midfield.

"It's hard to get there but even harder to keep your place. He's had to wait his turn but now he's determined to keep his place.

"He missed international football for quite a long time but now he has comes back, he has come back stronger, come back with more confidence.

"Now he looks like he's never been out of the England squad. He's playing well and pulling strings there and I think he has a lot of respect.

"He never gave up when he wasn't being picked and now it's great to see someone going away with their national team with a smile on their face - which is what Gareth is doing.

"England have outstanding midfield players but that's why the manager is there. He will pick his best and it seems like Gareth has been his best because he's always in the team."

Happy stay

Barry almost joined Liverpool in the summer and Petrov is delighted he stayed with the club.

"We're all just so happy Gareth is still in our team and not in someone else's team," he said.

"It gave us a massive lift when he remained here. It shows the club are thinking in the right direction. They want to keep their best players and improve as a team and give the fans good success."