How good is Barkley?

Ronald Koeman has become accustomed to questions about Ross Barkley but the subject of the midfielder’s potential continues to confound. Just how good is he and how good can he be? Adam Bate tackles a thorny issue that’s dividing opinion at Everton and beyond…

When Ross Barkley was compared to Paul Gascoigne, this wasn’t what they had in mind. His lunge at Jordan Henderson was indeed Gazza-like in its recklessness, the studs connecting firmly with the ankle. But it’s Gascoigne’s best bits that Barkley is struggling to replicate.

The loss to Liverpool provided a snapshot of the problem. The only local lad to feature in the Merseyside derby was also the most frustrating. His effort was not in question – Barkley covered more ground than any of his team-mates. But his decision-making remains an issue.

Alarmingly, the statistics showed that Barkley lost possession of the ball more times against Liverpool than he found an Everton shirt. The last attempt was the worst, a shanked cross that drew an understandably sharp reaction from Ronald Koeman in the dugout.

Asked afterwards whether Barkley could still fulfil his potential, the Everton coach replied: “I’m not sure.” Such ambiguity regarding the midfielder’s prospects is becoming the default position for Koeman in regard to a player still seen by so many as England’s future.

Of course, accusations of hype abound and Koeman’s circumspect responses are a welcome dose of reality after Roberto Martinez’s penchant for describing Barkley as “unplayable”, “special, “phenomenal” and just about any other superlative that came to mind.

But the numbers go some way to explaining that excitement. Not only did Barkley rank among the top three dribblers …

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