Tag Archives: Ross Barkley

Everton have enjoyed a busy transfer window so far but the next few weeks could revolve around further departures, following the loss of Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United.

Ronald Koeman’s side have showed their ambition this summer by being incredible active, adding the likes of Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane and Wayne Rooney to their squad, but questions remain on the future of one key-asset.

Ross Barkley has still not signed a new contract, despite being informed by the Dutch manager he would be sold this summer if he did not do so, and questions have raised further after he was left out of the club’s pre-season trip to Tanzania.

The Daily Mail states Everton have claimed Barkley is suffering from a groin injury but the likelihood of Barkley leaving rises day by day, as the 23-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his contract- and Everton would rather sell than lose him on a free transfer next summer.

Unfortunately for Barkley, his bargaining position has been weakened due to the fact that interest in his services has cooled significantly- leaving the England international in limbo.

Where does he fit at Everton?

Barkley’s biggest issue at the moment is the fact that Everton see him as expendable, with the Toffees having strengthen their ranks this summer with the additions of Wayne Rooney and Davy Klaasen- both of whom are amongst Everton’s 25-man tour squad and could fit into Barkley’s attacking midfield position.

The Toffees also continue to chase Gylfi Sigurdsson, who could again fit into the slot that Barkley has adopted in recent years, and Everton’s priority is getting a deal for the Icelandic international done, as well as signing a striker to replace Lukaku.

That means Barkley is left in a difficult position as his club’s demands of around £50m have led to a decrease in interest in his services and he currently doesn’t have a strong position to argue his case with Koeman.

What’s a likely outcome?

With Barkley struggling to find his place in Everton’s new-look side and interested parties being put-off by Everton’s £50m asking-price, the young midfielder may have to swallow his pride and work on rebuilding the bridges at Goodison Park.

The Toffees would no doubt be delighted if Barkley committed his future to Everton on a long-term basis and that seems to be the best course of action for him, as even a move to Arsenal or Tottenham wouldn’t give him guaranteed first-team football.

If Barkley sorts his head out, then he could be a crucial part of Everton’s new-look side and it’s a test of his maturity and desire now.

For two seasons, Spurs have been so close to clinching the Premier League title. Both times they’ve fallen short in the final weeks of the season, something that left many wondering how could they improve their team to go that one step further and win the league?

It’s not an easy question, because Tottenham have, arguably, the best starting eleven in the Premier League. Not many changes can be made except for on the bench, which was one of the problems that people found with Spurs’ squad. Minimal changes are needed from Mauricio Pochettino, but with one or two players expected to leave, their replacements need to be top quality.

Hugo Lloris:
One of the best goalkeepers in the league, Hugo Lloris is the club captain and has built up an incredible relationship with his defence in front of him. He may not be the most physically imposing goalkeeper, but he has the ability to make match-winning saves and has shown that he is a real leader of men.

Lloris is incredibly important to Spurs, and it must be said that without him, they wouldn’t even be near the Premier League title. He signed for what is now a bargain of £12.5M from Lyon a few years ago and that is clearly money well spent. His experience is vital in this side and he will help the young players learn across the season and command his defensive line extremely well. Read More »

Everton have not rested on their laurels this summer and have embarked on a mammoth spending spree, with Ronald Koeman splashing the cash in the biggest transfer outlay in the club’s history.

Following a transitional period last season under the Dutch boss, where the Toffees crucially secured an opportunity to return to the Europa League this season, Koeman’s side will be eyeing a challenge to break into the top-f0ur.

Everton’s fantastic summer will have raised hope of the Toffees completing a surge into the Champions League spots next season, especially as the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea will have to cope with a return to Europe, whilst Spurs will have to negotiate playing their home games at Wembley.

Last year the Toffees were exceptional but still looked someway short of being one of the Premier League’s big guns and Koeman’s side deserves credit for looking like a better side already this summer, despite the likelihood they’ll lose star-striker Romelu Lukaku.

Replacing the Belgian won’t be an easy task but Everton have got a plan of action that looks to be exceptional- and their potential XI should strike fear into the rest of the Premier League.

GK: Jordan Pickford

One of the most highly-rated goalkeepers out there, Everton secured a move for Jordan Pickford this summer following Sunderland’s relegation and he’s likely to be first-choice for the Toffees next season- which could help his quest to become a starter for England at the World Cup.

At the age of just 23, Pickford has the ability to become a star for Everton in the coming years whilst also boasting the ability to immediately excel at Goodison Park and he could be the key to success for the Toffees next year.

Everton face a testing summer window in the months ahead as Ronald Koeman looks to strengthen his squad and increase the chances of the Toffees breaking into the top-six, all whilst contending with the likely departures of key names.

Romelu Lukaku continues to be linked with a huge move away from Goodison Park in the close season and speculation continues to circle over the head of England ace Ross Barkley, as contract discussions have seemingly hit a brick wall.

Koeman has issued an ultimatum to the 23-year-old and is preparing to sell the influential midfielder if he does not extend his contract, although The Telegraph states he’s demanding a mouth-watering price of £50m for the Tottenham target.

It’s difficult to argue that Barkley is worth that much and it’s set to cause a lot of debate over the summer months, so we asked our team where they expect Barkley to be playing next season and whether he’s worth the monumental price-tag mentioned.

Shane Burns (@MediaShaneBurns)

Tom Scholes (@TomScholes316)

Ross Barkley looks set to leave Everton in the summer and at the moment; the ideal place for him to move would probably be Tottenham. People always say that Barkley just needs someone to guide him and help him find his best form, and at the moment there is no one better at that at a big club than Mauricio Pochettino.

He may not get as many minutes as he is at Everton right now, but the fact of the matter is he wouldn’t at any other top 6 clubs either. With regards to his price tag, there is no way he is worth £50M, but Everton will have to lower it or risk losing him on a free next summer.

Josh Challies (@Challies11)

Ross Barkley may well complete a u-turn and secure his future with the Toffees for another few seasons but the longer he waits, the more he risks causing irreparable damage to his relationship with his boyhood club- and Ronald Koeman isn’t prepared for any mucking around.

As it stands, North London is the most likely destination for Barkley but Tottenham may find competition in the market from rivals Arsenal. The Gunners have a big summer ahead and one crucial aspect that is being overlooked is the club’s decreasing homegrown contingent.

Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs are amongst the Englishmen linked with a summer exit, which would leave Arsenal’s homegrown ranks looking severely lacking- so a move for British players is likely this summer.

In regards to his price-tag, there is no way that Ross Barkley is worth that amount and it’s difficult to imagine Everton actually commanding such a high-price for a player of his services and negotiations will likely decrease the figure to somewhere around £30m, plus add-ons.

Sam Cox (@SamRCox_)

Spurs seem likely candidates to sign him, but I have a hunch he will remain at Everton. The price tag is extortionate for a player who suffers from great inconsistency and only one of the top six would be able to stump up that sort of fee.

There’s still a chance Barkley becomes a one-in-a-generation player for England, but it’d be a severe risk from any top six clubs.

Arsenal face a stern test to replace Alexis Sanchez this summer if the Chilean decides to leave the Emirates Stadium but the Gunners have options in the Premier League. Here, we’ve identified three potential targets.

Riyad Mahrez

The Algerian doesn’t quite have the same reputation as he did a year ago when he helped guide Leicester City to a shock Premier League title success but last season’s PFA Player of the Year is still a quality player and one who can provide a boost to Arsenal.

Having only recently turned 26, Mahrez has years ahead of him and is approaching the prime period of his career. If Alexis Sanchez was to be sold, investing some of that money to lure Mahrez to the Emirates Stadium would be a wise move.

However, he’d be an expensive acquisition.

Everton make the short trip across Stanley Park this weekend to face arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield and they could hand a huge dent to the Reds top-four ambitions. With the Toffees also having the chance to rise to sixth, we’ve selected the side that is capable of emerging victorious.

The derby is being shown live on Sky Sports with the game kicking off at 12:30pm on Saturday. You can pick up a NowTV day pass and watch the game for just £6.29 with the 10% off a day pass offer. Alternatively weekly passes are available for £10.99. You can redeem the fantastic day pass offer by clicking here.

GK: Joel Robles

The 26-year-old Spaniard was expected to play second-fiddle to summer signing Maarten Stekelenburg this season but Joel Robles has earned an impressive 14 Premier League appearances this season, with Ronald Koeman handing him a new lease of life.

With speculation persisting that Koeman will look to find a new long-term number one over the course of the summer, Robles has plenty to prove between now and the season’s conclusion in May but enters this weekend’s Merseyside derby in good form- having kept four clean-sheets in his last five appearances.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Arda Turan in recent weeks, but I think there are better options on the market. Here’s five…

1 – Isco

Could Arsenal go to Madrid again to find Ozil’s replacement? It’s very possible. Isco could reportedly be sold for as little as £10.3million because Madrid want to stop him from joining Barcelona. That would be an absolute bargain for a player that has bags of potential and is still young at 24. In my opinion he has the potential to at least match the ability of Ozil, he just needs to be playing regular football. The fact that Barcelona are serious about signing Isco tells you everything you need to know, Arsenal simply have to be interested in the Spaniard if he’s on the market this summer.

Ronald Koeman is reportedly eyeing a bizarre swap deal in the January transfer window that would see Moussa Sissoko swap clubs with £30m-rated Ross Barkley. 

On summer transfer deadline day, we saw Frenchman Moussa Sissoko seal a move to Tottenham Hotspur in dramatic circumstances. The Frenchman snubbed a move to Goodison Park, turning his phone off as Everton tried to get in touch regarding a deadline day move having agreed for a medical to take place.

It seems now that Ronald Koeman could use Tottenham’s interest in Englishman Ross Barkley to try and land his man that he dramatically missed out on back in August according to The Mirror. Whilst some reports have suggested Spurs will wait until the summer to make their move, others insist that Barkley is a January transfer window target for the Lilywhites.

Ross Barkley has endured a spell out of the Everton side this season following constant warnings from manager Ronald Koeman that he needs to offer more out on the pitch, but after another under-par performance against Liverpool at Goodison Park, the Englishman may now be seen as surplus to requirements. Especially following Koeman’s comments claiming that Barkley may never reach his full potential in his footballing career. With Tottenham interested, this might be seen as a good time for the Toffees to get rid of Barkley.

Moussa Sissoko’s start to life at Tottenham has been a struggle. He has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular in his first few months as a Spurs player, but the Frenchman has put in a couple of encouraging displays in games against Manchester United, Hull City and Burnley. Sissoko has two assists in the last few weeks, and will be looking to build on this going forward.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino challenged Sissoko to offer more in training and in turn out on the pitch after the Lilywhites forked out a substantial £30m for the 27-year-old in August. It seems that the former Newcastle man has responded to his manager, with a few positive displays in recent weeks. With Sissoko’s performances improving, it seems unlikely that Spurs would let him go in the January window.

It seems bizarre that Spurs are reportedly willing to pay £30m for Ross Barkey, considering the uninspiring form he has been in this season. It seems even more bizzare that Moussa Sissoko would join the club he snubbed just a few months earlier leaving the club he favoured a move to. This deal looks so unlikely it’s unbelievable, but stranger things have happened, that is for sure.

Everton managed an important 2-1 win at home to Arsenal on Tuesday night, and there were much-improved performances from a host of Everton players.

With 1 win in the last 8 games before this fixture, it looked like it was going to be another grim evening for Everton when Alexis Sanchez saw his free-kick deflected to give the Gunners an early lead in the game.

But Everton responded extremely well and one players performance that particularly caught the eye was that of the much maligned Ross Barkley. Barkley has come under a lot of criticism this season, with Ronald Koeman himself even publicly shaming the midfielder for his lack of effort.

But he was trusted from the start for this fixture and he did not disappoint. Up against the defensive figures of Granit Xhaka and Francis Coquelin, Barkley produced a dominating performance on the night to respond to his managers criticism.

He was influential throughout, helping his side create sustained pressure in the Arsenal half and picking up Lukaku knock-downs regularly. He also bagged the assist for the Ashley Williams winner.

Barkley made 73 touches in the 90 minutes, which is a lot for any player against Arsenal. This stat shows how he was involved more than usual – he was made 3 key passes, highlighting his ability to be creative.

More impressive statistics from his performance include 3 dribbles completed, 5/9 long balls and 77.1% pass accuracy. Defensively he made 2 tackles and 1 clearance to highlight how he can be effective at both ends of the pitch. If he can perform like this against Arsenal, a team with great midfielders, then there is certainly hope that he can continue to improve and realise his huge potential at Everton.

Here’s how people reacted on Twitter to the Englishman’s performance.

Barkley, Gueye and McCarthy flat 3 was brilliant, need to see that again with Valencia cutting in from the wing to help Lukaku.

— Matthew (@EFCMatthew) December 13, 2016

That performance is all we've wanted!! Barkley was quality, good to see Calvert Lewin get a run out!!

— Graeme Gedling (@BigGray87) December 13, 2016

Ross Barkley deeper is a different player, he was class today, as was McCarthy

— Christopher Hannon (@chrishannon1878) December 13, 2016

Barkley has been incredible in the second half. And thus commences the inevitable end of Arsenal's title race.

— Rez (@Asensiazo) December 13, 2016

Barkley remembered how to play footy tonight was class

— Mikey (@MJC_EFC) December 13, 2016

Barkley was brilliant.
Selfish but brilliant

— Frank Sobotka (@vickymonn) December 13, 2016

In my opinion, aged 23 now is the time for Barkley to really stand up and prove himself. He needs to become more than just potential and to do that he needs to be producing these kind of performances on a consistent basis, proving both his fitness and his quality.

Everton remain 7th in the league table after defeat to Southampton at the St Mary’s stadium on Sunday afternoon. A goal from Charlie Austin in the first minute was enough to ensure the points stayed with the Saints as Ronald Koeman’s return didn’t go to plan for the former Southampton boss.

We take a look at the numbers behind the Toffees midfielder Ross Barkley, who was left frustrated after a tough afternoon where he had little influence on the game and was often dealt with at ease by the Saints defenders.

However harsh criticism has been on the England prospect in many years, it is due to the fact he has bags of potential but is failing to fulfil this on a consistent basis.

Although he didn’t perform to the standard the Everton faithful want him to do week in week out he did have a high passing accuracy yesterday afternoon finishing the game with 87% passing accuracy, one of the only things he can take dignity from.

Barkley, who predominantly plays in the number 10 role played there again yesterday and should have been at the heart of everything going forward and creating chances for his teammates, of course playing that role is not just about creating though, the 22-year-old wasn’t able to test the Saints keeper enough having just one shot whilst only completing one cross too, considering they have Romelu Lukaku in their side playing the nine role, you would think Barkley would look to get the ball in the box a lot more often than he did.

Barkley’s work rate off the ball was rather poor throughout the game too, he didn’t manage to make one tackle whilst making two fouls and clearly didn’t work for his team as much the boss wanted him to as he was deservedly subbed off after 70 minutes for Kevin Mirallas who took his place.

Everton boss, Ronald Koeman who was seething after the game deemed Ross Barkley “not good enough” after another lacklustre performance. We take a look at twitter to see how others reacted to his performance.

"Not good enough".

Ronald Koeman has criticised Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku.

👉 https://t.co/Xj5Zpuf4uH pic.twitter.com/oJzRaDUr3E

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 28, 2016

Ross Barkley shouldn't be anywhere near the starting 11 for the foreseeable, he stinks the gaff out every single week.

— Shoey M (@ShoeyEFC1234) November 27, 2016

Ross Barkley is shite, just leave the discussions now it's not even a debate

— ️ (@Joe96__) November 27, 2016

Ross Barkley really is one of the most over-rated players going. Another awful performance. Everton need to get shot of him #Everton

— Dale (@HeavyDale) November 27, 2016

When is Ross Barkley going to show this world class potential he apparently has ?? He's light years away from being a Gerrard

— JOE (@ARMCHAIR_URCHIN) November 27, 2016

Whats happened to Ross Barkley this season? It's like his been found out like other over hyped English players before him.

— LORD OF THE SOUTH (@jaynzegwu) November 28, 2016

Ross Barkley tipped to be the next Gascoigne going to end up being the next Leon Osman 🤔

— Phil (@GungaChief) November 27, 2016

Done with our players. Wouldn't be arsed if any of them went. Barkley is never going to fulfil his potential, Lukaku not arsed & will go >

— Eddie (@eddie_1878) November 28, 2016

Ross Barkley is such a poor number 10, might be ok from deeper where he can just run but he can't dictate a game

— Elliott Griffiths (@ElliottBCFC) November 27, 2016

Kevin Mirallas replaces Ross Barkley, who has been poor today. #EFC

— Jack Brain (@jackwbrain) November 27, 2016

As you can see, the Merseyside born midfielder has come under some strong criticism following his recent display with fans seemingly giving up on their prized asset. European football must be the goal for Everton this season but they will certainly need their number 10 to pick up some good form if they are to accomplish this. But, if things go from bad to worse for the England midfielder then Koeman, who is clearly frustrated with his current performances may look to cut ties with him next summer, something Everton fans once dreaded.

Here are Fresh Football’s ratings for Everton’s game versus Tottenham Hotspur for the Premier League:

Everton

Maarten Stekelenburg – 7

The Dutchman looked confident aerially and pulled off a big save to stop Janssen scoring on his debut in the 80th minute, whereas he had little hope of stopping Erik Lamela levelling the game.

Mason Holgate – 6.5

A really assured performance from young Holgate, keeping his corner of defence locked up in the first half. His inexperience showed, however, when he granted Lamela that extra yard to head in the equaliser.

Phil Jagielka – 7

The Everton skipper provided numerous blocks in dangerous areas, coupling his defensive actions with keeping Harry Kane detached from the game.

Ramiro Funes Mori – 7

A solid performance from the Argentine defender, who also offered some nice involvements in Everton’s attacking phases.

Leighton Baines – 6.5

Maintaining a fairly reserved approach throughout, Baines’ crosses rarely failed to threaten whenever he had the chance to whip one in.

Gareth Barry – 7

The veteran was disciplined and led by example at the heart of Everton’s midfield.

Idrissa Gueye – 7

The ex-Aston Villa man constantly hovered around those in possession, contributing with combative and energetic play.

James McCarthy – 6.5

Tireless work from the Republic of Ireland international contributed to a decent performance.

Ross Barkley – 7

Often the ball carrier in transitions, Ross Barkley also scored the Toffees’ first goal with an inviting free kick.

Kevin Mirallas – 7

The Belgian proved to be difficult to pick up, as he formed part of a fluid front three for Everton.

Gerard Deulofeu – 7

A good performance that saw Deulofeu bother Spurs’ defence by finding pockets of space to run into, but the ex-Barcelona winger will rue his missed one-on-one at the end of the first half.

Subs

Arouna Koné – N/A

Aaron Lennon – N/A

Tottenham Hotspur

Hugo Lloris – 5

The Spurs captain gambled on a deflection from Ross Barkley’s free kick and paid the price. He then had to be substituted in the first half for Michel Vorm due to an injury.

Kyle Walker – 7.5

One of Spurs’ best bets to unlock Everton’s defence, the England right back was as enthusiastic as a ever and assisted Lamela for the equaliser.

Jan Vertonghen – 5.5

You could tell the Belgian had just returned from injury, looking off the pace and often tortured by the likes of Mirallas and Deulofeu running in behind him.

Toby Alderweireld – 6.5

Took full responsibility in bringing the ball out from defence, whereas he struggled slightly with Everton’s fluidity up top.

Danny Rose – 5

He was all over the left flank, but Rose’s passing and decision making looked particularly sketchy. The full back almost gifted Everton a second goal at the end of the first half when his pass back to goal was intercepted by Deulofeu.

Victor Wanyama – 5

Ronald Koeman’s former midfield enforcer often occupied the same position as Dier, making his presence fairly pointless for the most part.

Eric Dier – 5.5

Without his habitual midfield partner, Mousa Dembele, the Englishman left the creative duties to Alderweireld behind. Dier was then replaced by Vincent Janssen in the 55th minute.

Christian Eriksen – 6

Tried to make things happen, but the ex-Ajax man will have had better days.

Dele Alli – 4.5

The 20-year-old was drowning in Everton’s midfield bodies all game.

Erik Lamela – 7

The wide playmaker offered creativity on the right, roaming centrally, on the left and, most importantly, scored the equaliser. Lamela also saw a deflected effort hit the top of the bar with little more than ten minutes of the game to go.

Harry Kane – 4.5

Much like Dele Alli, Kane was taken out of the game completely by Everton’s defence.

Subs:

Michel Vorm – 6.5

Substituted the injured Lloris in the first half and denied Everton’s second goal of the game when saving Deulofeu’s one-on-one opportunity.

Vincent Janssen – 6

His mere presence inside the box was a contributing factor in Lamela’s goal, meanwhile the second half substitute also saw his compatriot, Stekelenburg, deny him a debut goal with a snap-shot deep inside the box.

Tottenham vs. Everton. A real blockbuster of a game to open the Premier League weekend. Oddly not chosen to be televised, the match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday. The two former successful Southampton managers meet, and both will be desperate for a positive start to their campaigns. Tottenham must bounce back from last seasons disappointment whilst a new-look Everton need to make vast improvements this season and a result against Tottenham would be a great start. Who will win? We think the match outcome will hinder on the battle between these three.

1 – Ross Barkley vs. Eric Dier

One player who featured regularly for England this summer up against one who never got a lot in. This season it is really important that Barkley kicks on with his development. Koeman is likely to trust in the young English midfielder but he needs develop more consistency and add more to his game to really be considered a top player. This weekend he comes up against Dier, a player who has reinvented himself in a holding role and not just secured his spot for his club but for his country too. The addition of Victor Wanyama puts pressure on Dier to continue improving though and he can start by shutting out one of the most talented young midfielders in the division in Barkley. Both players lack mobility to it’ll be an interesting match up as I expect Dier to stay in close proximity to Barkley throughout. Barkley could ‘take one for the team’ and use Dier’s close marking tactics to Everton’s advantage. If Barkley shifts Dier out of his holding role it may allow more room for the likes of Kevin Mirallas, Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku to cause problems to a Tottenham defence that rarely opens up (apart from the last day of last season).