Ross Barkley’s Chelsea career can be summed up in one word: underwhelming. However, the 26-year-old deserves at least one more year at Stamford Bridge.
When the Blues bought Barkley from Everton, they knew what they were getting. Barkley is a low-risk, high-reward player with potential, but a lengthy injury history. The midfielder has stayed healthy for the most part, but has failed to replicate his form from his prime days at Everton.
He struggled to find his feet under Maurizio Sarri after a successful year under Antonio Conte, but Barkley still has a lot to offer the Blues in 2020. Barkley showed when healthy under Frank Lampard, he deserves a bit more time to prove himself. However, the Blues can only afford to give Barkley a short time to shine with the emergence of Billy Gilmour and Mason Mount, as well as Ruben Loftus-Cheek finding his fitness.
The England International has tremendous talent, but has seldom lived up to his potential as a chance creator in west London. At Everton, Barkley registered three seasons with five or more goals. In those seasons, he also tacked on nine, eight and two assist Premier League campaigns. When bought by Chelsea, the Blues had hoped Barkley could be the creative No. 10 the Blues had lacked under Conte.
If there’s a manager that is going to get the best out of Barkley, it’s Lampard. The gaffer knows a thing or two about scoring goals from the midfield. Unfortunately for Barkley, he’s struggled a bit this season with injuries. He’s been a part of some massive moments for the Blues this season, but another unlucky break with the Coronavirus stoppage could see his minutes dwindle. Continue reading…
https://theprideoflondon.com/2020/05/08/ross-barkley-deserves-another-season-chelsea/