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.
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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 Mc (@ShoeyEFC1234) November 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/Joe96__/status/802934181550551040
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
https://twitter.com/GungaChief/status/803023422968172544
https://twitter.com/eddie_1878/status/803202302853185536
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.
