Gareth Barry Delighted with Ross Barkley’s Turnaround under Ronald Koeman

Everton midfielder Gareth Barry says that manager Ronald Koeman has been able to get the best out of midfielder Ross Barkley.


The midfielder faced a lot of criticism when the Dutchman took over from Roberto Martinez in the summer. Barkley has been seen as one of the best English talents over the last few years, but his career has failed to take off in the same manner as expected. Upon taking over, Koeman threatened that he would not think twice about dropping the star midfielder if he felt that the player’s performances were not up to the mark. There were even occasions whenBarkley had to settle for a place on the bench.

Yet, this attitude appears to have kickstarted the player’s career, who has been on a real good run of form over the last few weeks. Midfielder Gareth Barry, who has played for several top managers in his stellar career, says that the attitude and approach taken by the Dutch manager with regard toBarkley could be hugely beneficial for the England national team as well.

After the retirement of players like Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, the national team needs midfielders likeBarkley in order to succeed. Along with the likes of Dele Alli,Barkley will be able to lead the England national team to great successes in the coming major tournaments, .

“(Koeman) seems to have kicked his game on another level. The manager here deserves a lot of credit for that and I’m sure Gareth Southgate can do the same. He (Southgate) understands the game, he understands the personalities, which is just as important, and Ross will need talking to like the manager (Koeman) has done with him this season," said Barry. Ross Barkley has managed to provide eight assists and four goals to Everton in 30 league appearances.