Gareth Barry: I can learn from West Brom boss Tony Pulis

The 36-year-old midfielder last month broke the all-time Premier League appearance record, previously held by Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, when he made his 633rd career outing in the Baggies’ 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Barry, who has not missed a minute of league action under Pulis since joining Albion in an £800,000 deal from Everton in August, counts Martin O’Neill and Roberto Mancini among his former bosses in a career which now spans almost two decades.

But he believes there is still plenty he can learn from the Baggies head coach in the months ahead.

“All the managers that I’ve worked under have had a slightly different take on things and Tony is no different,” said Barry.

“I knew his style and the way he liked to play and I wasn’t shocked by that. I’ve played against a lot of his teams.

“But the way he puts it across is something you learn and take on board.

“Tony really likes his teams set up nice and compact in a nice defensive shape, likes his team moving along in position.

“He takes things on to the training ground as he wants them on the pitch. Day by day I’m learning from him, but it’s still early days.”

Barry, one of six Albion summer signings, has impressed supporters with both his ability and durability.

Pulis has meanwhile described the former Villa man as a ‘throwback’ in his attitude to training.

“His fitness levels, the way he looks after himself, everything has to be done properly for him,” said the head coach last month.

“He’s a model professional and his fitness levels have been exceptional in the games he’s played.”

Pulis continued: “You have still got to want to do it, you still have to have that desire to turn up to want to train, to play.

“That is the great thing about these players who go on. They have the inner strength and desire to keep going. It’s a tough profession, it’s not easy.”