He is loving life under Sarri
Ross Barkley is looking more like his former self after enduring a difficult last season. The midfielder joined Chelsea last January having missed the first half of the 2017-18 season with a hamstring injury, and never managed to break into Antonio Conte’s side for a multitude of reasons, including fitness and the lack of a natural slot for Barkley in Conte’s 3-4-3 system.
But Maurizio Sarri has breathed new life into Chelsea. They now play with a more expansive style, and Chelsea’s creative players are reaping the benefits.
Barkley recently revealed that he is enjoying having more tactical direction under Sarri.
“I’ve thought about it, and I believe that if I did have that type of approach from a coach when I was younger then maybe I would have improved a lot more,” Barkley said.
“Over the years I haven’t been coached much and I’m at an age now where I understand football.
“When I broke into the Everton side under Roberto Martinez I was playing in the No 10 role and I’d never played there before.
Usually I was a No 8. Or before I broke my leg a deep-lying midfield player. I’ve always been a central midfielder and now I am, in a three, and I’m comfortable with that.”
The former Everton player went on to claim that his recent form merits an England recall, having not played for the national side since before Euro 2016.
“I think my performances show that I am capable of being in the England squad,” said Barkley.
“I’ve played a lot of minutes. I had a strong pre-season as well and I’m feeling as fit as ever. So I feel with the amount of games I’ve played I’m ready to be called up.”
Sarri agreed, predicting that Barkley will be given another chance to impress for the national team by Gareth Southgate.
“I think he will return to the national team,” said the Chelsea boss.
“He is improving week by week and he can improve more from tactical and physical points of view. Technically, he is very good. So he can become a great player.”
