Everton boss Ronald Koeman insists Ross Barkley cannot be called a young talent
Toffees chief hints at recall for midfielder but says he must start to improve after his recent absence
ROSS BARKLEY has been given the hard word again by Ronald Koeman.
For the Dutchman insists that the 22-year-old can no longer be called a young talent.
And he also says that after four years of playing in the Premier League he has not developed as he should have done.
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Koeman hints that he may bring back Barkley – who has also lost his England place this season – for Saturday’s clash with Burnley.
But the no-nonsense Goodison manager also insists the one – time £28million target of Manchester City needs to start progressing his talent.
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He says : “Maybe what has happened is a wake–up call for Ross.”
Barkley was dropped for the first time in his Everton career as boss Koeman’s side drew 1-1 at Manchester City last Saturday.
His axing ended a run of 55 consecutive Premier League appearances – the ninth highest since the new format’s inception in 1992.
Yet the attacking midfielder – who was hauled off at half – time at Sunderland earlier this season – may now struggle to put another run like that together.
Koeman demanded an improvement from him after holding face to face talks with him following that Sunderland substitution.
He said: “I understand why I get questions about him.
“It is a bit like Rooney at United because they are quality players.
“But he not that young. He is four years in the first team and yet not any more talent.
“You need to improve.
“I believe in his qualities but maybe last weekend was a good wake – up call from him.”
Koeman explained why he left him out at the Etihad – where Maarten Stekelenberg saved two spot kicks, saying : “ It was the best line-up to get a result against City.
“He was disappointed and you should be when you are left out - but his reaction was very good and he has worked well.
“And it can be different for the weekend.
“We will have more ball possession than in the last game although Burnley are a very good side.
“But we will have more ball and we will need more creativity in this kind of game.”
Meanwhile England full back Leighton Baines is out again.
He had a setback after appearing to have recovered after a month out, with Koeman admitting : “I don’t know when he will be back – it’s tricky.”