Former England Boss Fears Ross Barkely May Become a 'Lost Talent' if He Doesn't Make Right Move
Former England manager Roy Hodgson believes Ross Barkley could become a “lost talent” if he cannot find a club that can get the very best out of him.
The 23-year-old has seemingly fallen out-of-favour at Goodison Park after Ronald Koeman's spending spree so far this summer and Barkely's refusal to sign a new contract, and has been linked with moves to a number of clubs - including Tottenham and Chelsea.
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Speaking at the Leaders in Sport conference in Beijing, Hodgson told the Sun: "If Ross can find a club where people believe in him as much as we did in the England set-up, he will do well.
“Players with special talent are players who will divide opinion. He’s a risky passer. He’s a midfielder who will turn with the ball. He will take players on and he will attempt a shot from 20 yards.
“He’s not lazy and he will do the work and will recover and try to defend. But he’ll be the first to admit he could do with some help. He’s not the finished article and won’t always get it right in that respect. But if you tell him how to do it right he’ll do it. He’s a good learner.”
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Barkley is currently out of action and recovering from groin surgery, however even once he returns, his place in Everton's starting 11 is far from secure.
Davy Klaassen has recently arrived from Ajax who plays in Barkley’s position as well, and Wayne Rooney’s arrival will also limit his chances.
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With Barkely looking more likely to leave, Mauricio Pochettinho is believed to want to bring Barkley to north London, although the club aren't willing to meet Everton’s £50million valuation of the Englishman.
Hodgson added: “If he gets to a club where they buy him for what he can do and not what he can't do someone will end up with a very good player.
“He's definitely a talent. He'll win some games for his club and for England, too.”
Barkley now has an important decision to make regarding his next move, will it be the right one?
