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Leon Osman says Ross Barkley can learn from Ronald Koeman

Everton's Leon Osman and Reading's Aaron Tshibola jump for a header (Reuters)
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Ross Barkley’s form for Everton this season has not been exactly great.

Leon Osman has told The Times that Ross Barkley can learn from Everton manager Ronald Koeman.

Barkley’s form so far this season has not been great, and the 23-year-old attacking midfielder was not guaranteed a place in the Everton starting lineup earlier in the season.

The England international has scored three goals and created 47 chances in 19 Premier League appearances for the Toffees so far this season.

Former Everton midfielder Osman, who is now 35 years of age, believes that the attacking midfielder can learn a few things working under Koeman, who was appointed the Merseyside outfit’s manager in the summer of 2016.

Everton's Ross Barkley misses a penalty

“Ross is a terrific player,” Osman told The Times. “Ability-wise he is right up there. He is a player that can unlock a defence just when you need him to. He is also capable of giving the ball away at the wrong time.

“Roberto Martinez had him in the team because he wanted him to unlock a defence and he would accept him losing the ball at crucial moments.

“Ronald Koeman hasn’t played him in every single game, he is picking and choosing his games. It does look like he is saying, ‘Well, I am not prepared to accept you giving the ball away’.

“Ross is still capable of being a top player but I hope he is listening to Ronald Koeman. He is someone who can teach him a few things.”

Everton's Ross Barkley celebrates with Gerard Deulofeu after scoring their second goal

Everton are seventh in the Premier League table at the moment with 33 points from 21 matches.

The Merseyside outfit will return to action on Saturday afternoon when they take on London club Crystal Palace away from home at Selhurst Park in the Premier League.

A top-six finish in the league this season is probably beyond the Toffees, but they can certainly end the campaign as the ‘best of the rest’.