http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-3-aston-villa-7958917
Having torn his knee ligaments in training on the eve of the new season, to see Ross Barkley on a football pitch in mid-October was unexpected. To see him running at full pelt, driving towards goal and bullying the opposition is nothing short of miraculous.
But that's what Barkley did. The midfielder didn't just return against Aston Villa, but he returned to transform his side. There was plenty of positives to take from the game, and plenty of fine performances – but they largely stemmed from the reappearance of Barkley.
Everton had a purpose going forward. Stationed on the left but drifting inside and doing most of his damage in a central position, the Blues had a sharpness in their passing. The ball would be popped to the 20-year-old's feet; he would then turn and look to move it up the pitch as quickly and usefully as possible.
It made for an energised, reinvigorated attack. Barkley is one of those rare players whose wonder extends simply what he does with the ball, but what he makes others do as well. Romelu Lukaku was much sharper, his movement quicker; it is no surprise the two combined for the Blues' second of the afternoon. Steven Naismith had even more space to operate in when moving in from the right, while Leon Osman had time to control in an advanced position.
He created four chances, including the assist for Lukaku, and his presence lifted everyone – team-mates and fans included.
Having torn his knee ligaments in training on the eve of the new season, to see Ross Barkley on a football pitch in mid-October was unexpected. To see him running at full pelt, driving towards goal and bullying the opposition is nothing short of miraculous.
But that's what Barkley did. The midfielder didn't just return against Aston Villa, but he returned to transform his side. There was plenty of positives to take from the game, and plenty of fine performances – but they largely stemmed from the reappearance of Barkley.
Everton had a purpose going forward. Stationed on the left but drifting inside and doing most of his damage in a central position, the Blues had a sharpness in their passing. The ball would be popped to the 20-year-old's feet; he would then turn and look to move it up the pitch as quickly and usefully as possible.
It made for an energised, reinvigorated attack. Barkley is one of those rare players whose wonder extends simply what he does with the ball, but what he makes others do as well. Romelu Lukaku was much sharper, his movement quicker; it is no surprise the two combined for the Blues' second of the afternoon. Steven Naismith had even more space to operate in when moving in from the right, while Leon Osman had time to control in an advanced position.
He created four chances, including the assist for Lukaku, and his presence lifted everyone – team-mates and fans included.
