Ross Barkley

[nsno-chris]

How can you say it's improved ten fold? He's been involved a lot more and that's to be welcomed. But his telling contributions to games are not dramatic. He has 9 games left to get his goals and assists to last season's best - which he did in three quarters of that season before conveniently clocking off.

I desperately want him to stay because he is literally the only player we have who has that x-factor about him apart form a few cameo appearances from Lookman. But I wouldn't blame him moving on one bit.

Because I watch with my eyes, and what happens on the field to what statistics say is different. And he has improved ten-fold, since christmas and thats down to the manager.

Martinez and Koeman both shoe-horned him into the number 10 role, behind Lukaku. The first season was great, nobody knew how we would setup and he had acres of space to run into, but as teams became more aware they sat deeper and deeper and nulified him. But still, when we are on the counter and he was running at people with the ball he was exceptional.

The start of this season was the same, sat in the hole and was constantly losing posession and not finding space. Then Koeman shifted him into a free role, for him to find space and stamp his influence on the game and thats what he's doing. His link up play with those around him is exceptional, his awareness has improved greatly along with his work rate.

Its strange that everyone can see the change bar you, don't know why that would be like

 

[DualityNSNO]

Because I watch with my eyes, and what happens on the field to what statistics say is different. And he has improved ten-fold, since christmas and thats down to the manager.

Martinez and Koeman both shoe-horned him into the number 10 role, behind Lukaku. The first season was great, nobody knew how we would setup and he had acres of space to run into, but as teams became more aware they sat deeper and deeper and nulified him. But still, when we are on the counter and he was running at people with the ball he was exceptional.

The start of this season was the same, sat in the hole and was constantly losing posession and not finding space. Then Koeman shifted him into a free role, for him to find space and stamp his influence on the game and thats what he's doing. His link up play with those around him is exceptional, his awareness has improved greatly along with his work rate.

Its strange that everyone can see the change bar you, don't know why that would be like

He busted a gut closing down someone last few times out, I'd never seen him do that up until now.

Negative influence though.

Also - it doesn't count as an assist, but even last game - his pass to Davies was exceptional (DARE I SAY PHENOMENAL EH LADS? EH?!), but it's not his assist, so the "stats" thing is utterly pointless.

 

[nsno-chris]

He busted a gut closing down someone last few times out, I'd never seen him do that up until now.

Negative influence though.

Also - it doesn't count as an assist, but even last game - his pass to Davies was exceptional (DARE I SAY PHENOMENAL EH LADS? EH?!), but it's not his assist, so the "stats" thing is utterly pointless.

Yeah the pass was an absolute cracking defence splitter. And that's the point that Dave can't grasp. He's finding more space so he can do things like that.

I mean if his stats don't show anything, what other information can we use to show it's working??? Oh I know, the 26 goals we've scored since Christmas

 

[DualityNSNO]

Yeah the pass was an absolute cracking defence splitter. And that's the point that Dave can't grasp. He's finding more space so he can do things like that.

I mean if his stats don't show anything, what other information can we use to show it's working??? Oh I know, the 26 goals we've scored since Christmas

The "chances created" stat, actually. He averages something like 4 per game or something like that, but I cba doing the math.

 

[BlueStevie35]

Yeah the pass was an absolute cracking defence splitter. And that's the point that Dave can't grasp. He's finding more space so he can do things like that.

I mean if his stats don't show anything, what other information can we use to show it's working??? Oh I know, the 26 goals we've scored since Christmas

Poor guy still can't handle the fact that Koeman's tough love approach is having the desired effect on Ross's game unlike when the clown was blowing smoke up his arse on a weekly basis

 

[davek]

You can just see it by watching him. He's doing more, sack your goals and assists stats. Actually lay your eyes on him and watch.

And no, none of your cog in the wheel it's all for the system stuff. Gone are the raw instincts he utilised when he first broke in, he's looking more and more like a clever player who can do everything. It's why he's creating more chances and offering so much more in the midfield and not just the attacking third.

He works hard for the team and the team revolves around him.

Perception.

Don't get me wrong, he's adding bits and pieces to his game and doing it professionally. But these are small incremental developments to a player who was already an established star man with his talents already formed.

 

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

How can you say it's improved ten fold? He's been involved a lot more and that's to be welcomed. But his telling contributions to games are not dramatic. He has 9 games left to get his goals and assists to last season's best - which he did in three quarters of that season before conveniently clocking off.

I desperately want him to stay because he is literally the only player we have who has that x-factor about him apart form a few cameo appearances from Lookman. But I wouldn't blame him moving on one bit.

I thought the same about the relationship a few months ago as Koeman was adamant for Ross to become beholding to his style and tactical game plan and if not he would sit and watch. The questions is what went through Ross's mind when not playing and other midfielders that didn't have his skillset get a game. I know how I would feel and perhaps a bit rebellious to the new environment.
Another question needs to be addressed is how many Midfielders can Spurs amass and keep everyone happy even with extra fixtures at their beck and call. Would he and Delli Alli butt heads? Could he enjoy not pulling the strings like he does for us?
I agree with your x-factor notion he is quite capable to run the show when he is in his element and the question is has damage already been done in the Manager/Player relationship and is he indeed biding his time for pastures green. What I see at the moment he is enjoying his football I hope he has elevated and perhaps toughened up to a level he is comfortable with all facets of our esteemed club.

 

[davek]

I thought the same about the relationship a few months ago as Koeman was adamant for Ross to become beholding to his style and tactical game plan and if not he would sit and watch. The questions is what went through Ross's mind when not playing and other midfielders that didn't have his skillset get a game. I know how I would feel and perhaps a bit rebellious to the new environment.
Another question needs to be addressed is how many Midfielders can Spurs amass and keep everyone happy even with extra fixtures at their beck and call. Would he and Delli Alli butt heads? Could he enjoy not pulling the strings like he does for us?
I agree with your x-factor notion he is quite capable to run the show when he is in his element and the question is has damage already been done in the Manager/Player relationship and is he indeed biding his time for pastures green. What I see at the moment he is enjoying his football I hope he has elevated and perhaps toughened up to a level he is comfortable with all facets of our esteemed club.

At present it looks congested at Spurs in terms of places on offer. But summer windows can shake out players. Someone like Janssen hasn't settled at all and looks an obvious casualty. If RB went there would give it Pocettino better options to play games without Kane as a spearhead and see Spurs start with Alli, Barkley and Eriksen in the same way that Liverpool dont play with 'number 9s'? and operate with Flamini, Coutinho and Mane?.

Spurs are just one option though.

 

[gav1985]

Ross has been exceptional since Christmas and a large part of that is down to Koeman actually managing him (regardless of what our resident troll tries to tell us).

Hopefully he will sign a new deal and be with us for many years to come.

 

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

At present it looks congested at Spurs in terms of places on offer. But summer windows can shake out players. Someone like Janssen hasn't settled at all and looks an obvious casualty. If RB went there would give it Pocettino better options to play games without Kane as a spearhead and see Spurs start with Alli, Barkley and Eriksen in the same way that Liverpool dont play with 'number 9s'? and operate with Flamini, Coutinho and Mane?.

Spurs are just one option though.

Very valid points. I hope Pocettino doesn't get to utilize that option. Sad fact and on gut feeling alone I now see Spurs as the team to beat next year. If Costa does or doesn't move on I think Conti has got the unbelievable best out of his squad this year I very much doubt a return to this stellar season next term. Arsenal look wounded and if Sanchez and Ozil skip away they will fade badly. If we keep our best and solidify our back four I think we are a competing top four all day long. Attitude and belief needs to be hammered on t0 kick start next year. Lookman and Calvert Lewin should see more action.

 

[marsh]

Glad hes on the bench. Hope he doesn't come on either

 

[ProZ]

I have been waiting to see him get a run out but it seems like half United bench got the call instead.

 

[Nymzee]

I have been waiting to see him get a run out but it seems like half United bench got the call instead.

Good, less chance of picking up an injury.

 

[RFUS]

Didn't even give him a chance off the bench.

Southgate looks to be the latest in a long line of clueless English managers, heavily favouring the media darling clubs and their players.

 

[ToffeeTim]

He's been shoddily treated by every england manager and it's part of the reason why he's so fragile mentally.