The Everton and West Ham stars have been in the news this week.
It was reported yesterday that Everton boss Roberto Martinez had decided to not sign Dimitri Payet in the summer from Marseille.
It was reported by the Mirror that Martinez decided to not sign the playmaker in the summer as he had decided it might prove detrimental to the development of England international Ross Barkley.
Of course many will now feel that Everton made a mistake not pursuing a deal for the Frenchman – who has been in fantastic form for the Hammers this season and is considered by some as the best signing in the Premier League this season.
So who has been better?
Ahead of the two facing off this afternoon, here is how the pair compare on Opta…
| Position | Team | Assist (mins per) | Goals (mins per) | Key passes (mins per) | Successful dribbles (mins per) | Was Fouled (mins per) | Accurate Pass (mins per) | Appearances | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross Barkley | MF | Everton | 338 | 295.75 | 51.43 | 26.89 | 43.81 | 1.96 | 27 | 2,366 |
| Dimitri Payet | MF | West Ham | 295.33 | 253.14 | 23.32 | 33.43 | 59.07 | 2.42 | 21 | 1,772 |
As you can see it is a close call, but Payet appears to take the edge. Whilst the Everton talent is the better dribbler and passer of the pair the Frenchman has more impact.
He attempts more assists, by more than double the amount than Barkley.
He also scores more goals and bags more assists per minute then the Everton player.
But Everton fans will point to the fact Barkley has a few years on Payet and that in time he might very well become the Premier League’s best.
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