Ross Barkley

[TheCount]

Well, he blows hot and cold, which is why people are saying when he's good he's great, and when he's bad he's bloody terrible. And also why our friend above said he is more often terrible than great.

I define average as having minimal impact on the game. Below average as being a liability to his own team mates, which he has been in most games this season, and above average as doing something positive to help the team secure a victory.

His 'form', if we're still calling it that, for the past 2 years has been around average for a player of his age. But when people talk about Ross, they aren't talking about him as just any 22 year old, they're talking about him as an England international, potential future Everton captain and player of a generation, yet his performances in no way reflect that.

I can still remember his goal against Newcastle and his 25 yarder against City - he looks a shadow of the player he was 2 years ago. The highlight of his 6 appearances for us so far this season? An in-swinging free kick that the opposition goalkeeper made a terrible mistake on and the ball somehow ended up in the net.

Maybe there is too much expectation on him. That's what I personally think, for what it's worth.

I also don't think he should be played so far forward. We don't have anyone better in that position unfortunately, so he's had to play there.

I agree he has been mostly average for a 20-22 year old premiership midfielder. Statistically his output has been above average, but we all see the misplaced passes and indecision etc.

We also see the moments of brilliance as you mentioned. You mentioned the City goal from 25 yards, but what about the goal vs City last year. Or the strike against Norwich. The cut back and finish against Southampton. This is probably why he gets over-hyped and then slagged off. People want him to do this stuff every game. Only elite players in their prime of capable of that.

 

[Nil Satis Niasse Optimum]

Maybe there is too much expectation on him. That's what I personally think, for what it's worth.

I also don't think he should be played so far forward. We don't have anyone better in that position unfortunately, so he's had to play there.

I agree he has been mostly average for a 20-22 year old premiership midfielder. Statistically his output has been above average, but we all see the misplaced passes and indecision etc.

We also see the moments of brilliance as you mentioned. You mentioned the City goal from 25 yards, but what about the goal vs City last year. Or the strike against Norwich. The cut back and finish against Southampton. This is probably why he gets over-hyped and then slagged off. People want him to do this stuff every game. Only elite players in their prime of capable of that.

A good post mate.

 

[Steve Wigan]

It's absolute utter rot isn't it?

A load of cowardly back sliders who, rather than supporting a local lad who carries the supporters hopes and dreams on to the pitch with him, love to stick the knife in when he is out of form. The same old biffs who would slobber like an epileptic seal if they even got within 5 metres of him. Disgusting.

I don't know while you feel you have the right to insult people personally on an open forum which requires a variety of opinions to survive. Maybe you have some sort of dispensation from admin for your continual personal abuse, which is well beyond the limits of reasonable debate. Reported again.

 

[roydo]

It's absolute utter rot isn't it?

A load of cowardly back sliders who, rather than supporting a local lad who carries the supporters hopes and dreams on to the pitch with him, love to stick the knife in when he is out of form. The same old biffs who would slobber like an epileptic seal if they even got within 5 metres of him. Disgusting.

Less of the personal stuff please.

 

[rochdaleblue]

Telling the world he's rubbish is the problem. The lad was having a half decent season before Sunderlandgate and his dressing down.

Ross was having a mare against Sunderland. Koeman went public over his decision to sub him at half time, whether you agree with this decision or not, it had the desired affect as Ross had a good solid game against boro. As for fans getting on Ross' back against Bournemouth, well they should be on the other 9 outfield players back because they all under performed on the day. Ross does strike me as a confidence player very much, and if he does start the game poorly (as against Sunderland and boro) then he does seem to find it difficult to turn thinks around in a game.

 

[scratchnsurf]

I support Everton, not Ross Barkley. Right now, he's not worth a place in the team. Give Dowell or Davies a go, even Kone or Valencia.

I hope he gets some sort of form back, but despite all his physique and technique with the ball, I remain to be convinced he will make it at the top level. At the moment, he doesn't read the game well enough, poor awareness of team mates and poor when we dont have the ball.

 

[Eggsyblueskin]

The problem this season is he is being employed as our sole creative player and he simply isn't consistent enough. He should be sharing this role with a more experienced player. When he plays poorly we look awful . That is our real failing in the transfer window. I think this season will make or break him.

 

[loooweee]

Got to admit there is a lot of expectations on the guy.

 

[Tramps_mate]

Sell him. He's too difficult to fit in to the team. Form is up and down...

 

[Papa Shango]

The problem this season is he is being employed as our sole creative player and he simply isn't consistent enough. He should be sharing this role with a more experienced player. When he plays poorly we look awful . That is our real failing in the transfer window. I think this season will make or break him.

Do we even need him in that role? Do we need that role regardless?

Our wingers are all attackers, its not like its essential to have a number 10. Put Kone in with Lukaku and go 4-2-2-2.

 

[BlueToff]

Sell him. He's too difficult to fit in to the team. Form is up and down...

No

 

[Baines' left foot]

It's absolute utter rot isn't it?

A load of cowardly back sliders who, rather than supporting a local lad who carries the supporters hopes and dreams on to the pitch with him, love to stick the knife in when he is out of form. The same old biffs who would slobber like an epileptic seal if they even got within 5 metres of him. Disgusting.

I agree entirely mate but if you say that then you get hounded out of here.

"He's a local lad so we SHOULD expect more from him". etc, etc, etc...

 

[Thomasc]

I think that any player performing will get a fair crack of the whip from most fans.

Yes, there are a few who seem keener to stick the knife in than others, but that's the same in any form of the sports and entertainment industry, people always will have opinions be it a good or bad one.

I actually think if it was Kone getting picked every week and he was under performing, possibly the same ones saying Ross is getting picked on would possibly be giving Mr Kone a dogs life.

At the end of the day he is being paid fantastically well and needs to prove his worth just like any other player. Where he was born or who he supports should not really gain him any extra brownie points.

 

[ggooggooggoo]

 

[neil999]

think the most interesting stat is his goals comparison with lampard, if you think how many goals lampard went onto score in his career