The midfielder has come in for criticism at Everton this season.
Former Everton midfielder Kevin Kilbane has told BBC Sport that Roberto Martinez may have negatively affected Ross Barkley’s development.
The Spaniard handed the midfielder his chance to shine for the Blues, making him a key player when he took charge of the club in 2013.
Since then Barkley has gone on to make 110 appearances for the Toffees, scoring 18 goals and registering 11 assists.
It has not been an easy ride for the 22-year-old, with the beginning of this season seeing him come in for particular criticism.
His new manager Ronald Koeman has been particularly stern, dropping him from his team and calling for better performances.
That is a stark contrast to how Martinez dealt with the midfielder and Kilbane has suggested that the Spaniard’s approach may have affected Barkley’s development.
“Over the past few seasons working under Roberto Martinez, you know from speaking to Martinez he let him go out and express himself, but I think that maybe took away from his development,” he told BBC Sport.
“I think he might have needed to be shown on the video, look that’s where you’re going wrong.”
For now, Barkley must simply focus on improving and helping Everton to continue their strong start to the season.
He was in better form on Sunday, scoring a goal and putting in an all-round impressive display in the 2-0 win over West Ham United.
It was arguably his best performance of the season and more of the same in future should help to wipe away any mistakes Roberto Martinez may have made with his development.
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