The main progress of the fall in the Premier League.
Ross Barkley's transfer to Chelsea was the worst version of The Ringer last season. In January, the Blues lowered 20 million pounds to the player. A dubious decision, given two facts. First, Ross’s contract with Everton expired just six months later. Secondly, he arrived at Stamford Bridge already injured.
In fact, the deal could take place in the summer, but fell at the last moment. According to Barkley, he did not want to hurry. According to Joey Barton, Conte simply turned off the phone before deadline and did not approve the transition. The second option sounds crazy only in theory. Antonio demanded from Chelsea players from his short-list; when I didn't get them, I quarreled with the management.
The opinion of the coach about Barkley illustrated the cup match with Arsenal. Ross appeared on the substitution instead of Willian, made his debut for the new club, failed as expected and provoked a public attack from Conte. “In our conditions it is not easy to carry out a rotation. It is especially difficult when only Ross Barkley is in stock,” - the Italian said.
In total, Barkley ran for Chelsea just 131 minutes in the Premier League. Despite the challenges of Drinkwater and Fabregas, Ross was the fifth midfield option. Awful for a guy who four years ago claimed the prize for the best young player in the league.
The change of coach brought the Englishman, but not for long. Ross decently played in the preseason, but just before the start, he snatched the claim out of Sarri. Maurizio advised the player to add protection and become stronger from a tactical point of view.
Claims from Sarri are no surprise at all. Ronald Koeman complained about the same thing in Everton. The Dutchman did not like that Barkley too often goes into dribbling and, as a result, loses balls. Moreover, Koeman said that Ross can no longer play at the expense of one talent, and even doubted that he realizes the full potential.
Unleash the media Barkley allowed only a passport and a good resume. From the point of view of the game and stability to Ross, there have always been questions. Former Liverpool coach Graeme Souness once smartly smashed him up by comparing him with a kid on the playground.
“If I played with him on the same team, we would constantly argue. And not even in every game, but every five minutes. He runs with the ball when he has to get rid of him and pass the ball. He gives a pass when he must advance to the gate. He is at least bad at making decisions,” - explained Souness.
Ross's horrendous reading of the game showed the FA Community Shield match with Man City. Before the first goal of the “citizens”, Jorginho showed Barkley with his hand to take a supporting zone. Ross did not consider the partner’s hint, allowed his opponent to open the center of the field and organize a successful attack. Punishment from Sarri came after three days - Chelsea took Mateo Kovacic to position Barkley.
The arrival of a competitor, the role of a substitute and a weak first impression on the coach are not ideal prospects for a player who was eager for the national team. To change the situation, Ross took it for himself: in the simulator he pumped his muscles even more; at home he looked at Napoli by Sarri and pumped the brain.
If before Ross did not have a coach who would teach to understand the game at the level of stars, now he appeared in the person of Sarri.
“His philosophy helps me. The previous coaches have barely developed me, but with Sarri I understand football better. He demands high pressure from us: when we take the ball away from the front of goal, it is easier for us to organize the moment and break through on goal. Now I understand every aspect of the game,” - said Barkley.
Ross's addiction to pressure led to an assist in the game with Southampton. Barkley was the first to react to the loss, grabbed the ball and brought Hazard one on one. This was followed by a series of three goals and two assists. Also - the first match in two years for England in the start. According to Ross himself, he gave perhaps the best two weeks of his career.
Judging by the behavior, the guy really changed. Barkley finally matured - now the Englishman perceives criticism as an opportunity to reach a new level.
Statistics confirm this. In Everton, Barkley dribbled five times in a match, while in Chelsea, it was only 1.5. Such a decline does not mean regression. On the contrary, Ross feels the game better, notices the opening of partners more often and makes less mistakes. Compared to the Merseyside club, Barkley looses the ball in half and covers 1.5 km more per game.
Sarri used one line-up at Napoli and almost didn’t trust the substitute, but Barkley managed to change his mind in just two months. After a bright game with Southampton, Maurizio admitted that Ross had no weak spots left, he became more mature even when playing defense. This guy is a useful option for both the start and the bench.
The ability of Barkley to pierce from a distance and play on the standard is especially useful for this version of Chelsea. Forwards "Blues" almost do not score; Goal load is distributed randomly. To make it easier for Hazard, Chelsea needs a safety net from midfielders. Ross's productive actions have already helped play a draw with United and beat Burnley.
The player himself has already admitted that he would like to score with the frequency of Lampard. If Ross succeeds, the Blues will get a midfielder with 20 goals per season. England squad is not enough moments with the game, so there Barkley see the new Paul Gascoigne. A slightly hasty comparison, but working with Sarri and willing to work is a promising combo to justify it.
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