Today, my focus is on Mackenzie Barry, a centre-back playing for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League, who I believe can have a big future in the game.

Born: 11 April 2001 (21 years) / Position: Central Defender / Height: 5ft 7in / Foot: Right

Barry is enjoying her second year with the Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A-League. Wellington only joined the league in 2021, and Barry started all but two of their games last season. This term, she has played every minute in Wellington’s opening six fixtures, standing out consistently. Her form earned her a call-up to the New Zealand senior national team, and she now has two caps. At 21 years of age she is still accumulating experience, but is making a late push for inclusion in the 2023 World Cup squad.

New Zealand—World Cup co-hosts—are not short of quality central defenders, including Abby Erceg of North Carolina Courage and Claudia Bunge of Melbourne Victory. Still, if Barry maintains her current level of performance, she has a good chance of making the squad. She is a young defender in a young back line at club level with Wellington, but does not look overawed. The two things that immediately stood out to me watching her play are: 1) she’s quick, and 2) she’s game. Obviously there is more detail, and we’ll get into that shortly, but that is a solid starting point for a central defender.

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1v1 defending

Barry is often called upon to plug gaps in Wellington’s defence, and she does it exceptionally well. She’s quick, propelled by a long stride that makes her hard to beat 1-versus-1. Few centre-backs defend space (in transition, or near the touchline) as well as she does, combining her speed with physicality, good judgement and body shape.

She gets side-on and doesn’t dive in, getting close enough so she can engage the opponent, capitalise on heavy touches and tackle. When an opponent tries to go outside of her, she can go shoulder-to-shoulder, match them for speed, try to nudge them off balance, and slide in when necessary.

Barry’s quality in this particular area is special. In my opinion she is one of the best centre-backs in the A-League when it comes to 1-v-1 defending on the ground. To sum up, 1) she gets her body shape right, so isn’t caught on her heels, 2) she doesn’t dive in, but 3) gets close enough to pounce on poor touches and make the tackle, 4) she has the pace to recover or match the attacker stride-for-stride when she has to, and 5) she is not afraid to put her foot in.

Jessica McDonald and Sophie Harding are among the more physical, direct and quick strikers an A-League defender can face. McDonald in particular has been running the channels brilliantly in the NWSL for many years—she’s arguably still one of the world’s best in this department. Both players got no change out of Barry, despite finding themselves in 1-v-1s against her.

It’s worth noting that Barry is not so dominant in the air, but it’s a small issue given she is so, so good on the ground. 1-v-1 in open space, she is very difficult to get past. It’s a real talent, one that reminds me of world class defenders like Leah Williamson and Mapi Leon, especially when taking into account her bravery and commitment.

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Other defending

Another reason I compare Barry to Leah Williamson is her positioning. Like the England captain, she has a knack for being in the right place. She reads the game well, anticipating play as it unfolds and getting reference points right to cut out crosses, intercept passes, block shots and clear her lines.

Barry topped the A-League in 2021/22 for shots blocked, and was second for both interceptions and clearances. This season she’s third for shots blocked, and top for clearances (not to mention an 81.3% tackle percentage, among the best for those with tackle attempts in double figures). These numbers (via FBref) match the eye test: Barry simply gets in the way of a lot of attacks. She’s where she needs to be, time after time. Of course, Wellington’s tactical issues force her into a high volume of defensive actions, but the player undoubtedly has good positional sense and commitment, putting her body on the line to block and clear.

Most of the time, Barry gets tight to her opponent between the lines, forcing them backwards or even getting in front of them to intercept and start a counter-attack. She’s an aggressive marker when touch-tight, unafraid to be physical and impose herself. Generally she’s very switched on, and totally committed to preventing her opponent from turning (between the lines) or getting a shot off (in the box). On the rare occasions she’s a bit late, she has the speed to make up for it and close down.

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On the ball

This is the area where Barry can improve most. Her first touch under pressure can be shaky and she isn’t yet a decisive passer. That indecision has led to her running into trouble as she waits too long to release the ball. However, all of this to me seems like more a matter of developing confidence and decision-making, as opposed to any technical issue.

Barry is naturally right-footed, but is very capable on her left. She has a good range of passing, so she can find the striker directly, or the winger with a long diagonal ball. She also is reasonably comfortable running with the ball. These are all positives that can be built upon, and may look even better were she playing in a more competitive team, one that enjoys more of the ball and gives their centre-backs more options.

For the time being, I’d propose prioritising the simple but effective. That would involve 1) cutting down on risky chips into midfield or across the back line, and 2) focusing on finding the nearest teammate. If there’s nothing on, play over the top of the opponent and give them something to defend, rather than something they can intercept and attack with.

At 21 and playing in a struggling team, it’s vital to acknowledge the context Barry is playing in. These are not easy conditions for a young defender to develop their build-up play. Still, the New Zealander has demonstrated two-footedness, range, and a willingness to bring the ball out herself. It wouldn’t take much of a leap for her to go up a grade in all areas—just a bit more clarity and confidence in her actions on the ball.

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Comparison: Kathrin Hendrich

Hendrich is a good reader of the game, someone who anticipates the play and is always on hand to intercept attacks, and is an excellent 1-v-1 defender on the ground. Barry is similar in all of these areas, and she’s just as aggressive, if not more so.

Barry also has leadership potential. She has worn the armband at points for Wellington, and is always looking to organise teammates around her. On top of all that, she doesn’t dwell on mistakes, and always looks to assert herself—even against far more experienced opponents.

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Recommendations and predictions

Barry plays in a back four for Wellington, but also played well on the left of a three on her New Zealand debut. Given how good she is at defending the wider areas, how quick she is to close down and how aggressive she is marking up, I think she can play equally well in either defensive system. Her 1-v-1 defending and speed to recover also means she could play effectively in teams that try to keep a high line.

As a young player still gaining professional experience, I’d suggest that any transfer should be to a club that guarantees her 20+ games a season, without overloading her with pressure. Any A-League club would be wise to sign her. I’d also recommend her as a potential starting player to top SWPL clubs (Glasgow City, Rangers, Celtic) and most WSL clubs. A move to England or Scotland would ensure there is no language barrier, which may help her to settle particularly when communicating with teammates (key for defenders in particular).

In my opinion, Barry already ticks a lot of the boxes you’d expect of the best defenders: she’s solid 1-v-1, positions herself well, plays with total commitment, and has great speed. With the right career steps and guidance, I believe she has what it takes to develop into a top class centre back, playing at the very highest level of the game, within the next five years.