A problem like Ross Barkley

[PickeringBlue]

Nicely written piece catcher.

But I disagree that he's a player that falls between two stools as you imply. For me it;s been plain what he is for years: in a strong team he's the creative player in central midfield with a player or two around him providing the platform for him to work off. If he goes to a club above us in the PL he'll be taking up a fairly orthodox role in that context. It's Everton's problem not his if he looks like a player that fits awkwardly into a team.

I agree with your assessment, but the issue I have is that for the most part he has been deployed in midfield with the support of two more defensively minded mids to back him up and has been hit and miss. The thing is, for me Barkley often seems to struggle with his decision making and is slow to make a pass and/or takes someone on when a pass would be better. Partly this may be down to the fact that the quality of the runs/movement of the other forwards (bar Lukaku) often isn't exactly world class. If he were to go to a team with more quality up front and on the wings, we'll find this out. Personally I think this is at best half the problem and most of the problem is mental...he seems terrified of trying a hard pass and having it not come off.

 

[davek]

I agree with your assessment, but the issue I have is that for the most part he has been deployed in midfield with the support of two more defensively minded mids to back him up and has been hit and miss. The thing is, for me Barkley often seems to struggle with his decision making and is slow to make a pass and/or takes someone on when a pass would be better. Partly this may be down to the fact that the quality of the runs/movement of the other forwards (bar Lukaku) often isn't exactly world class. If he were to go to a team with more quality up front and on the wings, we'll find this out. Personally I think this is at best half the problem and most of the problem is mental...he seems terrified of trying a hard pass and having it not come off.

That's exactly the problem.

It comes as no accident that he played his best for us when we had Deulofeu and/or Mirallas plus Lukaku stretching the opposition and leaving space for him to move into.

He'll be a major success in an elite team.

 

[The binman chronicles]

Still no idea what his best position is

I think just behind the front line, on the right, as part of a centre 5:

 

[davek]

I think just behind the front line, on the right, as part of a centre 5:






View attachment 36762

Where he's been 3 times for Everton this season and dropped altogether 4 times. Would he notice the difference?

 

[Brisan123]

I think just behind the front line, on the right, as part of a centre 5






View attachment 36762

You've just won the internet today

I disagree because in a 4/3/3 with 2 real wingers and 2 defensive mids alongside
him his best position is in the middle of the midfield 3
However Davies plays there and Koeman has more faith in Davies workrate
In the modern game all 10 outfield players need a high workrate

But yours is still a very funny post

 

[Bob Latchford]

Sky linking us with Sigurdsson and Classen from Ajax as possible replacements. I suppose we will have this until he does or doesn't sign a new contract.

I'm hoping Koeman is in the process of breaking Ross down and building him back up again, although when you hear RK speak it sounds like he's not bothered if he goes.

I hope he stays and I hope we get the best out of him. He's still young enough to come on I just don't think he's ever going to be as good as we thought he might. I'd love to be wrong.

 

[Geoff Nulty]

I'd hate to see him leave, but we're - hopefully - beyond the point where we keep our fingers crossed that this or that player will play a blinder in a big game. Or, for that matter, where we flatter and indulge a player to keep him on our side. Barkley is terrifically talented, but he seems to lack the strut and demeanour that the most successful players have. His confidence is too easily shattered by a bad pass or a missed opportunity. I'm not sure you can coach such a mentality into a player. I like Koeman's approach - he has just stated the situation clearly and unequivocally - and I don't think Barkley will find a better coach. He certainly won't find a more indulgent one, not at any of the clubs above us. Whatever Barkley is thinking, I hope it isn't that the grass is greener, because, while I can just about see him going to a club above us, I can't see him playing often for one. before he does anything drastic, he should call Fabian Delph or Luke Shaw, or Shaun Wright-Phillips or Scott Parker, to find how their big moves worked out. And maybe have a think about whether he's going to replace Alli or Eriksen in the Spurs starting eleven.

 

[Neiler]

I just dont believe Koeman rates him myself, i dont think he ever did. I think he threaded lightly with Barkley being a youth team player, a local lad and what that means to us as fans. I think Barkley knows this to and there is a tension or atmosphere between the two, likely prompting Barkley's stalling on the contract

Koemans comments yesterday were genius from his point of view, he hung Barkley out to dry in the eyes of the media and fans as the antagonist in this situation. I amsure there are two sides to this and a simple case of a manager and player not rating each other.

Ross is supremely talented, he is however hugely frustrating and while he has become more consistent has never reached the level his talent can be as a consistent game changer or the best player in Europe. Im not sure he ever will.

You look at the play makers in the teams we aspire to be competing with Sanchez, Couthino, Mata, Hazard, KDB, Silva, Eriksen. Does Ross have the talent to be as good, yes, has he proven he will ever be, no.

Football can be a cruel game and what ever is going on isnt working and can be improved on if he leaves or stays.

 

[Eggs]

That's exactly the problem.

It comes as no accident that he played his best for us when we had Deulofeu and/or Mirallas plus Lukaku stretching the opposition and leaving space for him to move into.

He'll be a major success in an elite team.

...not sure if he played much with the likes of Kane and Ali for England.

 

[BigBlueConk]

Do not want him to leave.
Move on if he does.

 

[Osamabindiesel]

I just dont believe Koeman rates him myself, i dont think he ever did. I think he threaded lightly with Barkley being a youth team player, a local lad and what that means to us as fans. I think Barkley knows this to and there is a tension or atmosphere between the two, likely prompting Barkley's stalling on the contract

Koemans comments yesterday were genius from his point of view, he hung Barkley out to dry in the eyes of the media and fans as the antagonist in this situation. I amsure there are two sides to this and a simple case of a manager and player not rating each other.

Ross is supremely talented, he is however hugely frustrating and while he has become more consistent has never reached the level his talent canbe as a consistent game changer or the best player in Europe. Im not sure he ever will.

You look at the play makers int he teams we aspire, to be competing with Sanchez, Couthino, Mata, Hazard, KDB, Silva, Eriksen. Does have the talent to be as good, yes has he proven he will ever be, no.

Football can be a cruel game and what ever is going isnt working and can be improved on if he leaves or stays.

This is a very interesting hypothesis.

 

[Merseyzig]

I read the OP but I'm still none the wiser as to whether Ross voted Remain or Leave.

 

[DanB90]

Worded Brilliantly

 

[Osamabindiesel]

Ross's biggest problem for me is he always lets things get to him. He was playing some of his best footy before he was snubbed in the England game. He needs thicker skin if he wants to take any further steps.

 

[The binman chronicles]

I don't want him to go but if we get a player who can deliver 8 out of 10 performances most weeks, home and away then it might be for the best.

1 week Ross, tick tock...