I think that is the most frustrating aspect of his game. Some people will say he's not good enough, others already believe he is exceptional.
Really, he has the potential to be fantastic but he needs to exert himself much more. Unfortunately, he far too often lets the game pass him by.
Rarely does he make a tackle or fully challenge for a loose ball. Neither does he track back when he looses the ball, which he seems to do a lot.
The best way I can describe Ross, is that he has flashes of brilliance mixed in with copious amounts of ambling around.
Regardless of your ability, you need to impose yourself on the game. You need to win the ball and put the opposition under pressure.
I am not questioning his ability and on occasions he looks unplayable, yet for a young scouse lad he seems to lack that physical edge.
We all know his decision making and concentration need to improve, however that will hopefully come with experience through game time.
Nevertheless, that 'fight' and 'guile' is something harder to gain: it is a mentality rather than a physical ability.
Players know that it is far too easy to take the ball from him. If he could win balls, it would be a great opportunity for him to use his pace and skill.
People relate him to Gascoigne: ability wise maybe, however Gazza had a nasty, physical side which just improved his player even more.
If Ross is to show his true potential he needs to exert himself more, as right now he isn't good enough to simply flick in and out with some quality.
That mentality alone could be the difference between him being a good and a great player. Right now games are drifting past him.
I like Ross a lot and we shouldn't put too much expectations on his shoulders, but it doesn't mean he is exempt from fair criticism.
