Roberto Martinez believes “diamond” Ross Barkley can make a big impact at Everton this season.
The 19-year-old midfielder turned in a sparkling display as the Blues’ pre-season preparations continued with a routine 3-1 win over SkyBet Championship side Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday, and will be looking to make his mark on the Premier League in the coming campaign, having featured sporadically over the past two seasons.
Speaking about Barkley, Martinez said: “He is something special.
“In football when you describe a player, there are not many better descriptions than to say he’s an incredible football diamond.
“He’s still a young man, and he needs to learn the players around him. But I’m excited to have that process with him. He has got an incredible talent. You look at young players like Gerard Deulofeu and Ross Barkley – they are at that level.
“I am really pleased with his attitude, the way he listens and wants to learn. And when he is in full flow, he can be something special.