The 22-year-old was hauled off at half-time during Everton’s 3-0 win over Sunderland on Monday evening, sparking further questions about his recent form.
Former Everton player Michael Ball thinks Ronald Koeman was right to substitute Ross Barkley at half-time against Sunderland on Monday night, but that the latter should not have any doubts over his ability, according to the Daily Post.
Barkley was taken off halfway through the Toffees’ encounter with Sunderland, a decision which sparked major debate surrounding the recent form of the midfielder.
Despite scoring against Tottenham in the opening game of the Premier League, the England international, who missed out on a call-up to the recent Three Lions squad, has failed to impress since, with boss Ronald Koeman suggesting he would hold talks with his star to help improve his form.
Speaking to the Daily Post, Ball said: “It was the right decision by Ronald Koeman to take him off at half-time, he could even have come off sooner, but the manager waited until the break to make the change.
“I think the majority of people watching the game would have made the same decision.”
Ball, who began his career at Everton in 1996, has also sympathised with the England international and believes he will be back to his best sooner rather than later.
“It has been a difficult few weeks for Ross, what with his international set-back and, now, the first 45 minutes at the Stadium of Light,” he continued.
“Ross has his faults but every player does and we must keep remembering he has the ability to do great things on the football pitch. We have to help find a way for Barkley to find that consistency because with the talent he has, he can be unstoppable.
“He needs to forget about the whole England situation and focus on Everton – and primarily focus on going back to basics. Ross needs to remember the hard work that got him to where he is today and what makes him such a good player.”
Barkley will be out to prove that his form of later has been nothing but a blip, and will want to use his removal at half-time on Monday night as further motivation on the pitch.
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