Let’s get one thing straight up front: this isn’t some anti-Scot rant. It’s a simple assessment of what the number 6 role demands and where Barron sits today. People can like his legs and work-rate — I do — but liking effort isn’t the same as saying he’s the finished article for the pivot.
A good No.6 does more than tackle and press. They dictate tempo, recycle possession and link defence to attack with calm decision-making. Right now, Barron brings tenacity and energy, which are priceless qualities, but they don’t cover everything. I’m yet to see the kind of composure and tactical nous that steadies a midfield, the sort of measured passing that opens up play or the presence that controls transitions.
That doesn’t mean he can’t get there. I’d rather see a homegrown lad succeed than rely on an external fix, and I’m hopeful Barron can develop those finer traits. Coaching, game time and experience will help. But hope isn’t the same as a guarantee. We have every right to judge players on what they currently offer, not just potential.
People use goals and assists to judge more advanced midfielders, and I apply the same logic to deeper roles when defensive attributes are limited. If a candidate for the pivot doesn’t show the defensive specifics you’d expect, it’s reasonable to ask whether they contribute something else to justify selection. That’s how I looked at Raskin, and that’s the same standard I’m applying here.
At the end of the day this isn’t about nationality or snobbery. It’s about clarity on roles and honest appraisal. Asking more of Souttar and Barron is not disloyal — it’s how we make sure the team improves.
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