Ross Barkley

[Saint Domingo]

Brilliant yesterday, he's starting to take the onus on himself as the main man in this team rather than just drifting through games like last season.

 

[Chang Elephant]

Said before he needs to be playing every week to develop his game, skills and decision making. But, also, looking at his physique he needs to be played every week to keep the lad in shape. @MoutsGoat

 

[sportbillyblue]

for the first hour he was terrible, wandering around aimlessly, no energy to close down, track back and do the job midfielders are meant to do ... great last 30 minutes.

He needs to work on his fitness.

 

[Bluebonic]

I'd like to see Barry and McCarthy bollocking him more! They should be screaming at him to run forward and do what he does best, but they just seem to leave him to do his own thing? maybe he doesn't respond well to others shouting at him, I don't know, but I would like to see the others geeing him up more!

 

[bluestevon]

for the first hour he was terrible, wandering around aimlessly, no energy to close down, track back and do the job midfielders are meant to do ... great last 30 minutes.

He needs to work on his fitness.

you sure you where watching the same game mate?

 

[allen]

for the first hour he was terrible, wandering around aimlessly, no energy to close down, track back and do the job midfielders are meant to do ... great last 30 minutes.

He needs to work on his fitness.

Fitness isn't an issue if you're flourishing in the 60-90 minute period.

 

[flibbyflob]

Quick thinking and quick feet for Naisy's third. Brilliant to see.

It seems to me that he's the key component to how effective we are on the break. When he's motoring at a retreating defence, we're in business.

That was a very noticeable thing yesterday, how quick we are at breaking out from defence. Chelsea were slow all over the park apart from Kenedy. Our pace will cause a lot of trouble to sides this season.

 

[bluestevon]

That was a very noticeable thing yesterday, how quick we are at breaking out from defence. Chelsea were slow all over the park apart from Kenedy. Our pace will cause a lot of trouble to sides this season.

Factor in Lennon, Mirallas and Deulofeu especially and the pace we will have on the pitch at times is frightening

 

[sportbillyblue]

Fitness isn't an issue if you're flourishing in the 60-90 minute period.

thanks, I stand corrected .. what's the deal ? was he pacing himself ?

 

[BlueToff]

Barkley is at his best on the break. He's not going to unlock a packed defence, but he has the ability to slip in little passes like he did for Naisy's third when he's given a bit of space in the No.10 position.

Really strong start to the season - his decision-making has improved a lot as well. So far, so good - and the rest in the summer has obviously done wonders.

Also, a word for Barry yesterday. He was superb.

 

[sportbillyblue]

you sure you where watching the same game mate?

yes I was at the match and heard a lot of people groaning, shouting at him trying to gee him up, he was lethargic for the first hour.

I'll try and watch the match on the telly and see if that shows anything different to what I saw.

Don't get me wrong, like every Evertonian I think that Ross is the Dog's doodaa's and hope that he fulfills his vast potential .. even if only by 50%.

 

[Goat]

Said before he needs to be playing every week to develop his game, skills and decision making. But, also, looking at his physique he needs to be played every week to keep the lad in shape. @MoutsGoat

Are you calling him fat mate?

 

[allen]

thanks, I stand corrected .. what's the deal ? was he pacing himself ?

If fitness plays any part, it's that Barkley's was superior to the Chelsea defence.

I saw a great 90 minute performance from him yesterday, you saw something else. I'm afraid you'll need to find your own answers as to why he looked like he came to life at the 60 minute mark.

 

[kev101]

Vote Barkley, goal of the month...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/34218411

 

[james2805]

He actually looks far fitter this season... Think he's played 90 minutes every game or nearly every game? Last season if he started it was guaranteed he would be subbed at 60ish minute. Stamina has definitely improved.

As for some saying he looks lethargic.. he's in the number 10 role and clearly has been told defensive duties are not his territory. He still does okay In this regard for me. Shuffles back and loosely fills spaces and tracks his man. Doesn't do this with the same urgency or strength he attacks with which I think is why people groan and think he could do better at it...

When we're playing McCarthy and Barry though I think the onus should definitely be on them for defensive duties and not so much Barkley. If however he dropped back and played the deeper role.. I'd like to see him show more physicality and determination to win the ball back.. a la Yaya Toure.