City would miss Barton - Opta
Joey Barton's future at Manchester City has once again been thrown into doubt.
Joey Barton's future as a Manchester City player has once again been thrown into doubt with his off-field antics causing the club's hierarchy to consider the young midfielder's employment.
There would be no shortage of takers for the 22-year-old's services and the loss of Barton would be a massive blow for Stuart Pearce having already lost Shaun Wright-Phillips and Paul Bosvelt this summer.
Barton scored just once in the league last season, away at Bolton Wanderers, but despite seven City players making more appearances than the tenacious midfielder, his influence on the team was dramatic.
City's number 24 led his team in assists, passes, crosses, tackles, fouls and yellow cards from the middle of City's midfield. These statistics are even more impressive given that Barton played three games fewer than Shaun Wright-Phillips who departed for £21 million.
With Manchester City opening their campaign at home to West Bromwich Albion on August 13, Barton's attendance will be decided in the corridors of The City of Manchester stadium and not by within the confines of City's pre-season schedule.
| Player | Joey Barton | League Rank | Team Rank |
| Appearances | 31 | =106 | 8 |
| Minutes On Pitch | 2503 | 102 | 7 |
| Goals | 1 | =167 | =9 |
| Shots On Target | 11 | =96 | =6 |
| Shots Off Target | 14 | =104 | 6 |
| Goal Assists | 5 | =23 | =1 |
| Passes | 1363 | 25 | 1 |
| Crosses | 161 | 17 | 1 |
| Dribbles & Runs | 120 | =67 | 2 |
| Tackles | 149 | 10 | 1 |
| Fouls | 63 | =15 | 1 |
| Yellow Cards | 9 | =2 | 1 |
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