PULL YOUR SOCKS UP

Everton boss Ronald Koeman calls for Ross Barkley to improve after hauling him off at half-time in the Sunderland win

Koeman has held face-to-face discussions with the 23-year-old after saying he "lost too many balls" in his last game

Ken Lawrence

Published: 16:56, 15 Sep 2016
Updated: 2:55, 16 Sep 2016

ROSS BARKLEY has been told to get his act together in talks with Ronald Koeman.

The Everton boss hauled him off at half time during the 3-0 win at Sunderland.

Ronald Koeman substituted Barkley at half-time of Everton's 3-0 win against Sunderland — Ronald Koeman substituted Barkley at half-time of Everton's 3-0 win against SunderlandCredit: PA:Press Association

Ross Barkley "lost too many balls" during the Sunderland game, according to his manager — Ross Barkley "lost too many balls" during the Sunderland game, according to his managerCredit: PA:Press Association

That followed Sam Allardyce's decision to leave the 23 year old out of his first England squad.

Koeman has since held face to face discussions with the home-grown prodigy who just 18 months ago was a £28M target of Manchester City.

Now he faces the axe for Saturday's game against Middlesbrough.

Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Barkley has been shown clips of his performance against Sunderland, where he was subbed at half-time — Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Barkley has been shown clips of his performance against Sunderland, where he was subbed at half-timeCredit: Getty Images

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Koeman, having guided the Toffees to third in the Premier League says: "There were reasons to replace Ross at half time.

"He was not playing well and lost too many balls.

Ross Barkley faces a fight to regain his place in the Everton midfield — Ross Barkley faces a fight to regain his place in the Everton midfieldCredit: Reuters

Barkley has already been dropped by England, and could face further misery by losing his Everton place — Barkley has already been dropped by England, and could face further misery by losing his Everton placeCredit: Reuters

"A player of his quality should not do that.

"I have had a talk with Ross and told him he needs to improve.

"We have seen all his weaknesses.

"He understands. We showed him the clips and there is no escape."

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