Paul Merson has lauded Ross Barkley as a ‘top player’ after he reacted on Sky Sports’ Instagram page to Aston Villa signing the Chelsea midfielder.
Jamie Redknapp also shared his thoughts in the comments section and stated that Barkley is a ‘great signing’.
This was Merson’s message in full: ‘What a signing for Villa. Top player. Up the Villa’.
Barkley’s capture is a statement of intent from Villa because it signals to the rest of the Premier League that they mean business.
Villa may have survived relegation to the Championship during the final few minutes of the previous campaign, but the West Midlands giants are back on their feet and ready to roar again.
Jack Grealish is probably one of the best ball-carriers in the Premier League – no-one carried the ball further last season in Europe than the boyhood Villa fan.
But if there is a player who can match Grealish in those ranks than it’s the unpredictable Everton academy product, who has now added a bit of claret to his blue.
Whilst Grealish has a softer touch and a more silky style to Barkley’s more powerful and robust ways, all of that elevates a Villa midfield that has a 100% start to the new campaign.
Barkley will be cup-tied for Villa’s League Cup encounter against Stoke City on Thursday night, but he will be primed and ready for a familiar rival in Liverpool on Sunday.
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