Ross Barkley

[marty mcfly]

This is spot on. Read in Alan Balls book that he always knew what to do before receiving the ball, knew where opponents and teammates were and his touch and body position bought him that extra split second.

Too often Barkley seems to receive the ball with his body closed to the play and seemingly has already made his mind up to pass the ball straight back to where it's come from. I don't think (and hope) it's not a talent issue and more of a mental one but he needs to take mush more responsibility that he is currently.

Its certainly not a talent issue. He's 21 and this is the kind of thing that should improve however he seems to have gone a backwards overall. He's not playing on instinct but also hasn't mastered by any stretch playing that way either.

I have seen small signs that this part of his game is getting better. In the meantime he just needs to put in a bit more graft.

 

[marty mcfly]

Really brought home the deficiencies in Ross's game watching how all the Barcelona players pressed last night to win the ball back, then rarely gave it away once they had. With the ball at his feet, he's one of the fastest players we've got, but without it he doesn't look bothered. Because of his potential, i usually forgive him that, but last night was an eye-opener. Hope he was watching!

That's the thing. The very top teams don't tolerate passengers. That's why Ozil was moved on from Madrid and Mata and others from Chelsea.

However he was much better against YBs so I wonder if its a motivation thing.

 

[marty mcfly]

Can we nail this myth. The crowd, any crowd, will groan whenever mistakes are made, and whoever is making them. Any player making lots of mistakes will generate lots of groans. Ross makes lots of mistakes. He is certainly NOT getting booed and all Blues are willing him to get his full game together. We are as frustrated as he no doubt is himself over his underperforming.

The crowd also groan when the team play negatively. Sometimes that's not a mistake sometimes it is however the crowd groan all the time. Ross' pass % is normally one of our best so its not the case of him giving it away.

But it is born of frustration however that doesn't mean its positive either. I'm groaning half the time myself.

 

[Moomin]

The crowd also groan when the team play negatively. Sometimes that's not a mistake sometimes it is however the crowd groan all the time. Ross' pass % is normally one of our best so its not the case of him giving it away.

But it is born of frustration however that doesn't mean its positive either. I'm groaning half the time myself.

Stop obsessing your hatred of Barkley please.

 

[Bedfordshiretoffee]

Get off his back - hope he has a blinder tonight, if he gets a game

 

[daz4matty]

The lad is scared needs good man management to get him back on track.

 

[quasi modo]

I'd take out of the team now, it has been a terrible season for him.

Play him with the U21's and let him get back into his football at a lower level, because he is offering nothing at all at senior level.

 

[ProZ]

Get him off the waster, one of his biggest strengths was his appreciation for space and his showing for the ball, both of which he has lost, he just can't be bothered. Changes needed at HT

 

[Liam-EFC]

He's as sh!te as Jack Rodwell.

 

[Jags..class]

He's as sh!te as Jack Rodwell.

He playing worse then jack.

 

[Jags..class]

Get him off the waster, one of his biggest strengths was his appreciation for space and his showing for the ball, both of which he has lost, he just can't be bothered. Changes needed at HT

He doesn't seem to want the ball and hiding right now

 

[Tubey]

Has zero confidence in himself and is a liability at the moment. Will come good I reckon as he has all the assets to be a top player, but he's nowhere near the consistency required to be a starter, especially given the situation we're in.

 

[JustOpp]

He doesn't seem to want the ball and hiding right now

Think it might be because not one of his teammates shows any desire to move and get open once he has it? Of course, Ross does the same thing when someone else is on the ball.

 

[paulus]

hes scare shitless and will never be the player he was .

 

[PhilM]

hes scare shitless and will never be the player he was .

This issue is undoubtedly at the moment increasing his other deficiencies. He's nervous on the ball and more so when having to win the ball.

The ball dropped lose before in the area, with Ross and the defender almost an equal distance apart with both players also on the move.

The Arsenal player went for it; Ross dropped back and simply turned and tried to shield himself. A little more effort and he may have won the ball.

At least the Arsenal player would have been under pressure, instead he could confidently clear the ball.

If you aren't confident on or winning the ball, then there is no way that you can show your apparent potential. He needs to grow a pair!

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