David Moyes claims Everton academy product Ross Barkley has improved at Chelsea

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Chelsea signed playmaker Ross Barkley from Everton during the 2018 January transfer window.

David Moyes has lauded former Everton midfielder Ross Barkley for ‘maturing’ and showing improvements in his game since moving to Chelsea.

The 25-year-old, who came through the ranks at Goodison Park as a youngster, moved to Stamford Bridge during the 2018 January transfer window [BBC Sport].

After struggling to settle in, Barkley is now a regular member of the Chelsea side and he has also forced his way into England’s starting XI.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live (26/03/2019 at 7:50 pm), Moyes, who gave Barkley his debut as a teenager, shared what he lacked in his younger days and how he has improved.

“He was a terrific player, but he had a lot to learn from the intelligence part of the game,” Moyes told BBC Radio 5 Live. “But he had the physical attributes, you see he’s a strong boy and a powerful boy. We needed to play him higher up the field because he tended to make mistakes in his own half of the pitch.

“I do think now that he has matured a lot more. I actually think Sarri has been quite good for Ross. I think he’s taught him discipline in the position he plays for Chelsea. So, from that point of view, I think Ross is maturing. He has got a goal in him. Always has had and he proved that [against Montenegro].”

Over the international break, Barkley came off the bench during England’s 5-0 win over the Czech Republic and then started their 5-1 demolition of Montenegro where he netted a brace and supplied an assist.

Last summer, when the Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia, Barkley was at home because he was deemed not good enough to be part of the travelling party.

But within the space of six or so months, he is now starting for Gareth Southgate and proving his worth to the team and those who used to criticise him.

Over the course of the campaign for Chelsea, he has played 23 Premier League games, scoring three goals and supplying his teammates with four assists [transfermarkt].