The Everton midfielder has come in for criticism at the beginning of this campaign.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Jamie Redknapp has suggested Ross Barkley may need to leave Everton to escape the pressure of being a homegrown star.
The midfielder has been a regular in Everton’s line-up in recent years since making his breakthrough under Roberto Martinez.
He has been under the spotlight at the beginning of this season, though, with several disappointing performances seeing him come in for criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Barkley has also lost his place in the England squad, with Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate leaving him out of their respective squads.
It is a tough time for the 22-year-old and Redknapp has suggested Barkley may need to depart Goodison Park to escape the added pressure of the Everton faithful.
“I’m a big fan – I know he divides opinion,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think he suffers from homegrown player syndrome where the expectations of being a young Everton player at his boyhood team does weigh heavily on his shoulders.
“I want to see more from him because he has got amazing talent, he travels with the ball so well… I just wonder if he might have to leave Everton to go on.”
It remains to be seen if Barkley can find his form again and become the star man that many predicted he would.
He was in better form on Sunday afternoon as he bagged his side’s second goal in the 2-0 win over West Ham United at Goodison Park.
The strike was just his second of the campaign and his first in 23 games and the Blues will be hoping it can spark him into life after his disappointing start.
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