He is a frustrating player that show too much inconsistency and drives managers bonkers. Southgate, Alardyce, Hodgson and Koeman all know he has the talent but they also know that he isn't a player to be trusted with responsibility. Koeman got improvement out of him but seems Barkley just wants to do his own thing or is too slow a learner for a manager to show the faith.
Yep. It's why I think a top 4 side can indulge that due to the quality they have to compensate him.
A good point made on a fan show that Ross is an instinctive player. When he's been told he gives the ball away too much etc, it makes him dwell and try to pick a pass more rather doing what his instincts say.
When he's been instructed to do something that's not 100% him, you'll get less of a player. He'll still perform well, he'll still be capable. But he won't perform consistently. You'll get great games, you'll get average games, and poor games. The national side is full of average players told to do things they don't do for their club...hence why they're awful.
It's like asking a striker do work the channels and hunt lost causes when all he wants to do it slot etc. They'll do it, but you'll be wanting that player who slots. Take Aguero at City. Because he doesn't do certain things Pep wants, he'd rather play Gabriel. Bonkers but it's a valid reason.
This is not blaming anyone for Ross as a player. It's just the type of player Ross is. You don't play him to do things he's okay at, you play him to do what he's good at.
Koeman won't indulge that. You have to be an all rounder with attributes not just good at one thing.