Ross Barkley

Blue Cheese · January 22, 2017

Hot Property

Klinker · January 22, 2017

Doolstar70 said:
Need his contract situation sorting soon or he may have to be sold in the summer regardless of form.

Not too worried about that to be honest. There is one thing not to doubt is that he truly loves being an Evertonian, and now we can actually afford to pay him 100K. We need to finalize Rom's new contract first.

Mickey · January 22, 2017

Looked very Hazard like yesterday I thought.

Eggsyblueskin · January 22, 2017

Have to admire Koemans management of him . It's finally bringing the player we all thought and hoped was there to the surface. Impressive.

Roger Milla · January 22, 2017

Been saying all season he's superior to Stek and got pelters for it at times.

Pipe down

Mickey · January 22, 2017

Roger Milla said:
Been saying all season he's superior to Stek and got pelters for it at times.

Pipe down

He's not a better keeper than Steks mate.

orly · January 22, 2017

Roger Milla said:
Been saying all season he's superior to Stek and got pelters for it at times.

Pipe down

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Baines' left foot · January 22, 2017

Roger Milla said:
Been saying all season he's superior to Stek and got pelters for it at times.

Pipe down

You tell em mate!

Simon baker · January 22, 2017

Mickey said:
Looked very Hazard like yesterday I thought.

I always think this cross between him & dembele

Saint Domingo · January 22, 2017

Glad he's finally getting the recognition he deserves for some very very good performances. He's finding consistency now and there's no question over his selection. Koeman's got him playing well under the radar and he seems to be enjoying being out of the limelight. When he plays like this he's one of the best attacking mids in the prem.

Username · January 22, 2017

He's utterly boss.

MartSlinger · January 22, 2017

Username said:
He's utterly boss.

Boss Rarkley.

Shibbywiggles · January 22, 2017

Quick Feetly

bullybeef · January 22, 2017

Is right Ross lad.

Duncan Disordely · January 22, 2017

Encouraging words from Koeman

Ronald Koeman has been impressed with the way Ross Barkley has got to grips with what the Everton manager wants from him.

Having set up Kevin Mirallas and then Tom Davies for their goals in the 4-0 win over Manchester City last week, the Academy graduate put in another lively display against Crystal Palace.

He saw a pair of efforts well saved by the impressive Wayne Hennessey in the Eagles’ goal, and another two shots fly narrowly wide as his movement and trickery caused the hosts plenty of problems.

Koeman revealed he has held regular discussions with the England midfielder and believes Barkley’s influence is growing game by game.

“We speak a lot with Ross about what we need for the team from his qualities,” he said. “We know if you are a midfield player, you need to run, you need to work, you need to defend.

Barkley's heat map shows just how busy he was at both ends of the pitch.

“But what we saw today is a midfielder who is always free, has good control of the ball, had a good shot in the first half, and had some good assists for scoring goals.

“We don’t need Ross to get the ball from a defender to turn and play a five-yard pass. We need him in the final third attacking. He’s changing in that regard and that’s what we need and what we like.

“We needed that support for Romelu Lukaku from Ross, and from Kevin Mirallas and Ademola Lookmanwhen he came on.”

Everton have bounced back from a tricky period during the final months of 2016 – a run of just two wins in nine games in November and December - but have started the New Year in fine fettle. They have won four of their past five league games and have closed the gap on sixth-placed Manchester United to five points.

Koeman has always stressed the need for time for his players to adapt to a different way of playing and training but the results are starting to show with a run of three straight wins, each boasting a clean sheet.

“By changing the manager you get new ideas, different exercises in training,” he added. “You need time for that. You can’t change things in two weeks. Players need to understand and change.

“With younger players it’s sometimes easier as they are open in everything, but I’m happy with all the squad at the moment and we have good results.

“Most of the time, the team is fresh and playing with a lot of intensity and quality. That’s the best way to get the best results.

“We’re in a good way and we would like to keep the momentum going.”