Thanks for this. I like Barnes, so appreciate the insights to his attributes when used well.
I actually think Villa are evolving, but doing so pretty quickly. Most of our moves start from the back, keeping possession and trying to draw the opposition out of shape so we can pass it round or through them quickly. In the games against lesser teams (Forest for example), they sat deep, so there were quite long periods of frustrating (or patient), build up, but when we did click, the attacks were explosive and incisive.
There are definitely examples of our players now receiving and using the ball well in tight situations, so that bodes well, given what you have said about Barnes.
I would take him for sure.