Everton have enjoyed a fairly successful 2016/17 campaign thus far, but one or two of their star men have disappointed in recent weeks.
Graeme Souness
During an exclusive interview with popular magazine Newsweek, Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness delivered a harsh assessment of Toffees midfielder Ross Barkley, labelling the 23-year-old a ‘frustrating player’.
The England international has really divided opinion at Goodison Park this season. He has produced some magnificent displays where he has showcased what he is truly capable of, but on the flip side, he has put in some equally underwhelming performances that have led to calls from Everton fans for him to be sold.
On the face of it, he has enjoyed a fairly productive season, chipping in with five goals and seven assists in all competitions.
It has been his failure to produce the goods for Ronald Koeman’s side in big games against their direct rivals, however, which has really summed up his season.
Referee Neil Swarbrick speaks with Everton’s Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas
And Souness highlighted Barkley’s poor decision making as an area where he must improve, if he is to truly progress as a top level footballer, when speaking exclusively to Newsweek:
“He would frustrate you because, looking at someone like him, you’re thinking he could be a real player. His decision making is very poor and that is something you can only get through training every day and wanting to learn from better players.”
With just seven games remaining in Everton’s season, Barkley doesn’t have too much time left to convince Koeman that he has a future at Goodison Park, and he must bounce back quickly from his disappointing last two displays against Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.
Everton’s Ross Barkley
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
