Ross Barkley was in fine form as Everton beat Southampton 3-0 in their most recent match.
Martin Keown has said on Match of the Day, which was broadcast on BBC One on 2nd January, that Ronald Koeman deserves great credit for the way he has handled Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.
Koeman’s treatment of Barkley this season has sparked debate, as the Dutch manager has publicly criticised the England international.
Koeman made no secret of the fact that he wasn’t happy with Barkley’s performances, in his early time in charge in his interviews.
And the former Southampton manager even took the attacking midfielder out of Everton’s first-team for a stage.
However, Barkley has begun to start showing his talent with a series of excellent displays in recent weeks.
Barkley struck a late equaliser for Everton against Hull, and he followed that showing up with an excellent performance against Southampton.
Barkley dictated play for the Toffees as they picked up a 3-0 win over Southampton.
And Keown believes that Koeman’s management of Barkley has made him a much better player.
“Koeman is talking about bringing players in, but boy does he work well with the players he has,” the former Arsenal defender said.
“I’ve been watching from afar and he’s been very patient with him. He’s dropped him and brought him and Barkley was running the show today. He’s tidied up his game.
“He’s dictating everything. Suddenly, over Christmas, he’s dictating the play. He’s the man in that team now that will make things happen. The manager has made that happen for him. It’s about the relationship between him and the manager – and he’s cracked it.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
