The young midfielder is struggling for his best form with Everton this season.
Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has explained to Sky Sports how he is trying to keep Ross Barkley’s head up with his words of encouragement.
The midfielder has had a tough start to the season as he has struggled to find his best form.
Barkley has already lost his place in the England squad, with Sam Allardyce leaving him out of his first and only group and Gareth Southgate also ignoring him in the last international break.
At this moment in time, it is easy to see that Barkley’s confidence is at a low as fans and pundits alike ask serious questions about him.
And Barry has revealed he is trying to help the youngster to keep his head up with constant words of encouragement.
“He obviously has had it really good for two years since Roberto Martinez came here and saw him as the focal point of his team,” the veteran midfielder told Sky Sports.
“But being left out of the England squad and dropped at Everton for the first time, that’s the time you need to have a little word with him to keep him going.
“When things are going well it’s easy to keep going, so Ross needed a few words from a few of the experienced players to keep his head up at a time like this.”
Unfortunately for Barkley, he is now working under Ronald Koeman, who has shown little patience for underperforming players so far.
The Dutchman took charge of the club in the summer and has already been ruthless in his treatment of several players, including Barkley.
And Barry admits that their new boss has left no places for players to hide if they are underperforming.
“He is making things really clear, players know exactly what they are doing at the start of the week and there is a clear structure,” he added.
“There are no hiding places. If you are not reaching the levels you will get found out. He’s not messed about, he has told players how it is.”
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