Barkley’s promise could be huge for Chelsea and England

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Ross Barkley has enjoyed a resurgence for Chelsea this season after his career was seemingly on the road to nowhere.

The 24-year-old endured a campaign in the wilderness under Antonio Conte after joining the club from Everton last year. However, Maurizio Sarri has put faith in the midfielder and has been rewarded as Barkley has produced a number of fine performances, scoring important goals for the Blues in the process.

Barkley’s form at club level was recognised by Gareth Southgate, who recalled him into the England squad for the first time since May 2016. The midfielder played an influential role for the Three Lions on his return to action, pulling the strings in their win over Spain in Seville. England’s performance brought them back into contention in the Nations League, with the team now backed in the latest international football betting odds to win the competition.

The Chelsea midfielder will play a crucial role going forward for his country. Although England were impressive in the World Cup, reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 1990, they were outplayed for the majority of their last-four clash against Croatia. Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Marcelo Brozovic were able to control proceedings in the middle of the park, keeping the ball away from the Three Lions. Their play was crucial in teeing up Ivan Perisic for the equalising goal after Kieran Trippier’s free-kick had put the Three Lions ahead. The effort put in by Southgate’s men in chasing possession overwhelmed them in extra-time as Mario Mandzukic scored the winner.

Players in the ilk of Barkley, who are extremely comfortable in possession will be the key going forward for the Three Lions. Sarri has recognised his talents, playing him in a three-man midfield, where his link-up play and threat in the final third is a good foil for Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata. Barkley can learn a lot from the style of Jorginho from featuring alongside the Brazilian. He is the man that has made Chelsea tick in the early stages of the campaign, dominating in the mould of Cesc Fabregas at the peak of his powers. Although these players have been present in the game for a long time, England have not been blessed with a true influential midfielder that is prepared to take control of the game or even utilised such player to their best ability.

Should Barkley continue his form he could be the solution to the problem. He has already proven that he has the aptitude to perform in big matches, with his stellar outing he 24-year-old has already entrenched himself in the Chelsea line-up and that could be the same for the Three Lions. He did flash his potential at a young age for Everton, but was never able to take his game to the next level. As he edges towards the prime of his career, it’s an excellent opportunity for him to become a key cog for club and country for the foreseeable future.




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