John Aldridge today wrote "Of course the biggest problem for the talented Ross Barkley is that he is at his most effective in the number ten role and he is likely to be competing against Raheem Sterling for that spot in his national team. From the evidence offered so far the best bet is on Sterling as he offers more to the team in the opposition final third. There's no disgrace in that but it means that Barkley won't be the best player in his position for his country and not even in his own city. I'm sure he has a big part to play in his career but at the moment all this hype won't be helping the lad."