Ross Barkley

The Cowboy · May 28, 2016

dubfade said:
If laziness off the ball is perceived to be the main problem, I wonder whether playing him further back in midfield, where he really couldn't get away with not working in defence, could be a solution?

Sorry, but he's not of such great worth to the team that he warrants being a passenger. I'm not having that.

Abraders · May 28, 2016

The Cowboy said:
Sorry, but he's not of such great worth to the team that he warrants being a passenger. I'm not having that.

I think he was suggesting pushing him further back would force him to work harder.

Space Cowboy · May 28, 2016

Bluebonic said:
It was Moyes who said that! Said he was a box to box midfielder before the leg break. I dont think anyone doubts the lads talent, it is his application and fitness that are below par, shockingly so with regards to his stamina!

It's coaching! Last season he was given a 'free role' by Martinez. He didn't press at all but I think he was told to just wait in space until the ball came to him so we can counter attack. A new manager will make him work harder and his game will improve.

bluestevon · May 28, 2016

The Cowboy said:
He is either not fit, or not prepared to shift his arse around the pitch, or both.

Mate can tell you right now, say you take over Bayern Munichs fitness training, then within a year those players would look shockingly unfit compared to how they are now, because professional sportsman at this level need to be specifically and individually molded, it's long ogne from the days of sinking 12 pints on a friday and getting on the pitch on the saturday afternoon like it used to be.

Doesn't matter how good an athlete or how commited you are, if your left ot your own devices then your fitness will suffer no matter what, theirs a reason that during breaks in the us etc some of those players came back to work at clubs in england to keep their fitness up, also a reason some out of contract players ask clubs if they can use their facilities and staff tp help them keep in shape - think Blomquist for example did that at United after his contract finished

Maybe Barkley is just someone who doesn't fully understand how to get himself in the best shape for playing and has gone overboard on the gym work - that for me looks the case anyways as he has bulked up massively the past 12 months and it certainly isnt fat.

In short he is putting the work in but its not the right type of work to aid him on the pitch mate, its why all clubs have proffesionals these days whose sole job it is is to do this with players

riddick · May 28, 2016

You have to admit that he puts literally 0 effort into anything off the ball. There are times when a opposition player is less than 2-3 yards away and he just looks at them. If he has any desire to be one of the better players in the league he needs to take a long look at himself and figure out what he wants.

Abraders · May 28, 2016

riddick said:
You have to admit that he puts literally 0 effort into anything off the ball. There are times when a opposition player is less than 2-3 yards away and he just looks at them. If he has any desire to be one of the better players in the league he needs to take a long look at himself and figure out what he wants.

Pretty much this.

And Martinez had us believe he's the best thing since sliced bread... the great expectations didn't help. We were made to all think he should be rinsing 10 man and rifling one in to the back of the net every game, after he did it a handful of times.

dubfade · May 28, 2016

Abraders said:
I think he was suggesting pushing him further back would force him to work harder.

Yep sorry that wasn't clear.

Jags..class · May 28, 2016

We need get another attacking midfielder just incase barkley doesn't find his mojo and also take the pressure off him.

smileychap · May 28, 2016

Abraders said:
Pretty much this.

And Martinez had us believe he's the best thing since sliced bread... the great expectations didn't help. We were made to all think he should be rinsing 10 man and rifling one in to the back of the net every game, after he did it a handful of times.

Over hyped, but potential.

I sort of think with his range of passing, short and long and attacking intent (cos he can score, too) that someone needs to sit and show him Paul Scholes videos.

Martinez poor tactics exposed Barkley for the developing rather than finished article that he is. Likewise stones and the mysterious disappearance of Galloway and Garbutt who both looked promising.

Fitness is key, as has been well covered on here. Barkley isn't. Sort that and tell him to up the directness if his game and he's still a match-winner for Everton and England.

The Cowboy · May 28, 2016

dubfade said:
Yep sorry that wasn't clear.

No, my bad, I read it as 'where he could get away with not working'. I agree with your point.

Mickey · May 28, 2016

I fully believe Booby insisted he not expend energy tracking back and putting his foot in. Even if he didn't he certainly didn't demand he do it. The first time he stood looking gormless as a player sauntered past him Guardiola, Mourinho, Klopp etc etc would absolutely lose their heads with him and maybe even drag him off. People are neglecting to admit just how bloody bad Martinez is at this management lark and how managers DIRECTLY influence player performance. We'll see what Ross is all about next season.

Doolstar70 · May 28, 2016

Mickey said:
I fully believe Booby insisted he not expend energy tracking back and putting his foot in. Even if he didn't he certainly didn't demand he do it. The first time he stood looking gormless as a player sauntered past him Guardiola, Mourinho, Klopp etc etc would absolutely lose their heads with him and maybe even drag him off. People are neglecting to admit just how bloody bad Martinez is at this management lark and how managers DIRECTLY influence player performance. We'll see what Ross is all about next season.

Martinez did untold damage to quite a few players and has left the next manager with some difficult decisions. There is no doubt in my mind that Ross suffered under Martinez's ego and a change of manager will reinvigorate him.

allezlesbleus · May 28, 2016

Doolstar70 said:
Martinez did untold damage to quite a few players and has left the next manager with some difficult decisions. There is no doubt in my mind that Ross suffered under Martinez's ego and a change of manager will reinvigorate him.

I think it was mirallas in RM's first season who said he was a breath of fresh air because he did not want attacking players to waste energy tracking back!!! I have no idea the extent Ross has been following instructions or we have seen a serious weakness in his game develop over the last two seasons. All I know is that EVERYONE has to contribute when oppo has the ball. We will see this season whether he has got what is takes to regain that aspect of the game. Personally I think he has got a tremendous talent but he is a bit sensitive in his mentality. Has to toughen up a bit mentally too.