Ross Barkley

rochdaleblue · March 27, 2016

I'm hoping stones and Ross both start on Tuesday. We need them both to have good games, not just for their England prospects but also the confidence it would instill in them (much needed by stones) for the run in.

JonS · March 27, 2016

I love the way he looks so confident these days - almost has a swagger. We may lose Lukaku and Stones but hopefully we'll have Ross for ever...

The Mighty Quint · March 28, 2016

Him and Alli are different players, Alli is more gungho buccaneer type midfielder, his game is more built around energy.

Ross is a very rare type of midfielder for England, his control and skill level, the way he glides around the pitch, is 2nd to none, he's come on so much this season, his goals scored and assists are much improved, he links play very well now too.

Alli and Barkley are a very good blend for that England midfield, with Dier sat behind them it's looking very very good for the next decade.

Simon baker · March 28, 2016

The Mighty Quint said:
Him and Alli are different players, Alli is more gungho buccaneer type midfielder, his game is more built around energy.

Ross is a very rare type of midfielder for England, his control and skill level, the way he glides around the pitch, is 2nd to none, he's come on so much this season, his goals scored and assists are much improved, he links play very well now too.

Alli and Barkley are a very good blend for that England midfield, with Dier sat behind them it's looking very very good for the next decade.

Completely agree shame it's not mine or your decision to play them both

rochdaleblue · March 28, 2016

Simon baker said:
Completely agree shame it's not mine or your decision to play them both

Just think dier and Ross where at Everton at the same time. It's a shame dier isn't still here. Although am I right dier only played at centre half for us as opposed to midfield.

Simon baker · March 28, 2016

rochdaleblue said:
Just think dier and Ross where at Everton at the same time. It's a shame dier isn't still here. Although am I right dier only played at centre half for us as opposed to midfield.

Yes centre half he turns like a bus so Seems better suited to sitting in front of the back 4

mythbuster · March 28, 2016

Hang on.... Who gives a shiny crap about Ingerlund?

dubfade · March 28, 2016

onlyme said:
Against Germany he made himself available gave it short when there was no space available and drove forward into areas when space was available but hey he aint no Lallana or Henderson

To use the words of my dad - 'What is the point in Henderson?'

He just doesn't really do anything.

D410 · March 28, 2016

Did not see the England game. Tell me was Ross chewing gum in an England shirt?

streeky · March 28, 2016

The Esk said:
Thought Ross looked excellent when he came on. Showed for the ball all the time and used it very intelligently when given the chance.

Not wanting to get into a discussion about Martinez in this thread but is it unfair to say Ross looks a better player for England than he does on occasions for us?

Really interesting watching ross on Saturday, he spent the whole 20 minutes constantly trying to find space to get on the ball. When I watch him for everton he seems to spend his time putting himself up against the largest pack of opposition players. Just wondering if this is another Martinez ploy to suck players toward him to release space in other areas.

The Reverand · March 28, 2016

When Ross has movement around him he is excellent but when his teammates are static he struggles .

ijjysmith · March 28, 2016

Ross Barkley is insanely good at football.

orly · March 28, 2016

The Reverand said:
When Ross has movement around him he is excellent but when his teammates are static he struggles .

Was looking at this a bit and it is spot on.

Barkley is at his best when he has options ahead of him - or more than one.

At the moment, the only player he consistently has ahead of him is Lukaku - Lennon might be busting a gut to get there but largely he sort of plays a bit deeper. Cleverley isn't a winger, and doesn't play that way - so often there is no forward option outside the central area. It would help massively if, once in a while, McCarthy found a bit of adventure and got forward.

Watching him when he had Vardy / Kane / Alli all charging forward - but with Dier covering - and he suddenly looked a hell of a lot more certain.

Great player.

PhilM · March 28, 2016

orly said:
Was looking at this a bit and it is spot on.

Barkley is at his best when he has options ahead of him - or more than one.

At the moment, the only player he consistently has ahead of him is Lukaku - Lennon might be busting a gut to get there but largely he sort of plays a bit deeper. Cleverley isn't a winger, and doesn't play that way - so often there is no forward option.

Watching him when he had Vardy / Kane / Alli all charging forward - but with Dier covering - and he suddenly looked a hell of a lot more certain.

Great player.

Adds weight to the argument that he'd be much more effective if he played deeper for us; a play maker in front of him and Barry et al at his side.

How often is he closed down outside the area and forced along the area with very little options in front of him?