Gary Neville wants Everton’s Ross Barkley to improve.
Everton’s Ross Barkley fouls Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren
Everton midfielder Ross Barkley had a game to forget against Liverpool, and was lucky to get to half time still on the pitch.
The England international completed just 65 per cent of his passes despite getting plenty of touches of the ball in attack (72).
Barkley was booked for a bad challenge in the first half, and could easily have picked up another booking for a separate poor tackle.
Pundit Gary Neville was quizzed about the Evertonian after the game, and admitted he is a big fan of the player, having spent time with him at close quarters, but admits his game is presently flawed, and if he wants to reach the top level he has a lot to improve upon.
Gary Neville
He told the Gary Neville podcast: “Because I’ve worked with him for four years with England, I desperately want him to succeed, to fulfil his talent and potential and become the best player in the Premier League, the capability of that strength, the ability, skill, however his concentration…
“In the first half his touch, is tight in terms of control. He’s got to be excellent on the ball every time it comes into him. You haven’t got time in the top games.
“You have to operate in tight spaces. Ross makes too many mistakes and gives it away, and what happens is he gets a little bit frustrated with himself. Consistency, concentration and focus are absolutely key. I just hope that he can deliver in the next few years and deliver like we’ve seen Coutinho do today.”
Liverpool won the game 3-1 to move nine points ahead of their Merseyside rivals.
Everton now have a tricky encounter against Manchester United at Old Trafford in midweek, but one which presents an opportunity to get back in the race for the top four. Lose and their slim chances are over.
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