The former Everton midfielder believes Barkley will still be a star for club and country.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman has been speaking to talkSPORT this morning (10/11/16) about the performances of Toffees midfielder Ross Barkley this season.
It has been a tough campaign for Barkley so far. He has not showed his best form on a consistent basis and has lost his place in the England team as a result. His form has even been openly questioned by his club manager Ronald Koeman.
Everton’s Leon Osman in action with Southampton’s Cuco Martina
Osman, who was released by Everton in the summer after 19 years at the club, believes that Roberto Martinez – the former Everton boss – might have been soft on Barkley during his time at Goodison Park:
“He seems to have had a difficult start to the season. He was an ever present under Roberto Martinez for the last 18 months of his tenure and, I don’t know if this is harsh, no matter what his performances were at that stage he was always on the pitch because Roberto felt he could do something in the game, with the quality he has.
Ross Barkley celebrates scoring the third goal for Everton
“Mr Koeman is saying, if you’re not performing I’ll take you off or I won’t play you and he’s now got to find more consistency in his game and that’s the statement Ronald has made to him.”
Osman is however in no doubt about the player’s talents. He told talkSPORT that if you were to sculpt a perfect Premier League footballer, they would likely be close to Barkley:
“The ability the boys got is unbelievable. If you were moulding a Premier League player he wouldn’t be far different from Ross Barkley.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez
“He’s got great physique, pace, power, both-footed but he needs to find a level of consistency now which will find him in Ronald’s team and back in the England fold.”
Everton fans are in no doubt about the talent of Barkley. He may currently be going through a difficult patch but it is important to remember he remains only 22-years-old and will surely still fulfill his potential at Goodison Park.
Perhaps the tough love from Koeman can help him take the next step.
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