Ross Barkley

[PKwalnuts]

Give him a break.
He is not the "our version of Stevie G" you want him to be.
That was his best performance of the season, people only remember his flashes of brilliance then expect him to deliver that twice a game every game.
He pressed more, gave the ball away less, created more chances, and is obviously working to improve and do what the manager is asking of him.
That change in his game doesn't come over night, but I like the fact he is clearly trying hard to improve, and although he has all this pressure and expectation, I admire the fact that he is fronting up to that, must be scary coming out to all our lot, at home on a Friday night, knowing what the Blue Shirt means, after all the critisicm and negativity, and sticking your head up and trying to take responsibility for the team to get a win. All of this will build up the character that some have questioned, and I fully expect him to get better and better.

He is our Blue in this team, lets back him and encourage him.

 

[CahillsCornerFlag]

But he's gash lad, next Rodwell this guy is, may as well flog him to Sunderland now.

 

[Woolly Blue]

Quite possibly, yeah. He did take a few decent set pieces.

Indeed, the corners he's taking this season are actually going into dangerous areas, so either he's getting better at taking them or the near post corners which never beat the first man from last season were a deliberate tactic.

 

[Deulofeumygod]

Measured first half, some excellent first touch passes. Needs a goal and he will be on it again. Can't wait to see him run at city again

 

[Deulofeumygod]

Also has not stopped running and pressing

 

[maccavennie]

I thought that was his best game in a long time effort wise. Played a couple of lovely balls first half as well.

I wouldn't have played him personally but fair play Koeman is sticking with him in the hope he plays himself into form.

 

[Abraders]

If his work rate continues to improve like yesterday along with koemans high energy regime, hopefully we will see the best from Ross again soon.

 

[ToffeeTim]

If his work rate continues to improve like yesterday along with koemans high energy regime, hopefully we will see the best from Ross again soon.

If he works harder something is more likely to break for him too. The penny needs to drop.

As it's ryder cup weekend I'll quote a famous golfer; "The harder I work the luckier I get."

 

[balggy]

But he's gash lad, next Rodwell this guy is, may as well flog him to Sunderland now.

Still thought he had a poor game. If he wants to make the step up he has to start taking games by the scruff of the neck.

Norwich was the same, he should have been looking forward to playing against them. Instead he was a bystander

 

[MartyMcFly]

His work rate was better and all we have to do is look at Sterling to see how form can turn around.

The break will be good for him.

 

[davek]

I actually disagree with this. When he went public he let the fans know he was addressing the serious flaws in his game that had previously been allowed to continue. Not only is he gradually improving in my opinion, the fans in general, are more supportive and patient knowing he is at least trying to offer more defensively .

There were no 'serious flaws in his game'. He'd been chugging along putting in respectable performances, not world class, but not worthy of criticism. Koeman basically chose Ross because he's not a senior player but he is a big name in order to stamp his authority on the team.

It was ham fisted. It back fired. Let's hope he's learned his lesson about coming out swinging at players individually in public.

 

[davek]

...but, but, but....

 

[Connor]

...but, but, but....

He'll be at Wolves in 6 months don't you know lol

Those that know how good he is and how good he can be Dave, know.

 

[bazzer25]

Don't like saying it but Carragher summed it up perfectly:-

“He hasn’t got a problem physically or technically, it’s between the ears, his understanding of the game, his decision making, when should he pass, when he should run with the ball, when should he shoot,” Carragher said on Sky Sports‘ Friday Night Football show.

“Everyone feels he is a special talent but you can’t keep looking at David Moyes, Roberto Martinez and now Ronald Koeman, it’s got to be Ross Barkley – not that the manager is not getting enough out of him.

“He has to do more at this moment and we all believe he has the talent.”

 

[davek]

He'll be at Wolves in 6 months don't you know lol

Those that know how good he is and how good he can be Dave, know.

Tbf, it's easier to see it than miss it. The lad had a very good last season. He dropped off about Easter onwards like the rest, but the stats back that assertion up.

Too many have simply latched onto Koeman's attack on the lad and feel it's safe to have an open day on him now. I know what I see, like you. I know that the lad is a huge talent and has shown it on many occasions and that a good coach will get that out of him more consistently.

Koeman has that responsibility. He gets paid more than any coach in Europe outside the giant clubs of the game. I expect him to earn that by getting Barkley's A game out on a regular basis. Not an unreasonable request I dont think.