Ross Barkley has been urged to improve by Everton manager Ronald Koeman.
Ian Wright has told The Sun Goals Podcast that this season is make or break for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.
The England international has made a mixed start to the new campaign, with Ronald Koeman putting a large amount of pressure on the 22-year-old.
Koeman has publicly criticised Barkley already this season, and Wright feels that it is now up to the youngster to respond to his manager’s words.
“I think it’s sink or swim,” Wright said, of Barkley’s season. “Especially after he didn’t play in the Euro’s.
“He’s got a manager who will put it on him – he wants to see it out of you. Whether he will respond to this, is totally down to him.”
Koeman is a manager who demands high standards of his players, and his impact at Everton has been immediate.
The Toffees have been much improved over the campaign so far, and currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League table.
Barkley has started regularly for Everton to date, but his position is starting to come under threat – after a series of mediocre displays.
Everton lost for the first time in the league last weekend, when they were beaten 1-0 by Bournemouth.
Everton’s next chance to get back to winning ways comes on Friday, when they take on Crystal Palace.
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