Barnes, Mattocks can’t play in Burton’s boots

THE EDITOR, Sir: I ALWAYS read Orville Higgins’ columns, including the last one (‘Modern Boyz better than 1998 team’, Gleaner, August 7, 2015), with great interest. Like Orville, I am an avid supporter of Jamaican football.

I do not know how Mr Higgins came by Darren Mattocks and Giles Barnes being better than ‘Certain’ Burton. The other comparisons he made are debatable, and I’m inclined to agree with, BUT Mattocks and Barnes being better than Burton is a joke.

Barnes’ technical ability is comparable, but Deon Burton’s movement off the ball is better than both of them combined. As a football analyst, I am sure Mr Higgins would agree that off-the-ball movement is what separates mediocre and great strikers.

Not only that, Burton was, and still is, a better finisher. Actually, we will need a Burton to qualify like we did in 1998, and neither Barnes or Mattocks will be able to fill those boots.

Perhaps, the author could encourage the Jamaica Football Federation to go on the hunt for Nathan Dyer, Rolando Aaron and Ravel Morrison? Keep up the good work. MARCO EDWARDS Bristol, UK