Flawed Diamond: How Everton Have Moved On From Ross Barkley

Ross Barkley faces his former club for the first time this weekend as Everton face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Street End takes a look at how things have changed for the England international and the club he used to love.

 

Bright Future

In 2014, the future looked bright for Ross Barkley and Everton. The boyhood Evertonian had signed a new 4 year contract after a break through season at the age of 20. He had made 34 appearances in a team which came very close to qualifying for the Champions league. Barkley was one of the hottest properties in world football and with the permanent signing of Romelu Lukaku, Everton were trending upwards.

 

Less than 3 and a half years later, left his boyhood club having ran down his contract. Everton were on their 3^rd manager of the season and Barkley was recovering from a serious injury. Questions remained as to whether Barkley was more cubic zirconia than diamond. Everton received £15 million, far less than the £50 million that the press were talking about 3 seasons beforehand. His agent reportedly received around £7million, almost half of what Everton received. It was clear that the relationship between the boyhood blue and his club had fallen apart dramatically. Both Barkley and Everton are in much better shape 9 months later.

 

Shiny New Things

Everton have been buoyant in recent weeks due to their shiny new things, especially midfielder Andre Gomes. The Portuguese international has brought class to Everton’s midfield in a roll which Ross Barkley has once been earmarked to fill. Gomes has the same physicality and passing range of Barkley but has the tactical knowledge to run the midfield. His experience at Barcelona, Valencia and Benfica has given Everton a polished centre midfielder of the highest pedigree. The partnership of Gomes and Gana looks like being one of the most potent midfield duos in years.

 

Barkley too is having a renaissance at his new club. He has impressed his new manager, Maurizio Sarri. The Scouser saw off the challenge of both Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek-Cheek for a starting place. He has made 10 appearances so far for the pensioners this season and scored 3 goals. Gareth Southgate has recalled him to the England squad and Barkley’s reputation, like Gomes, is slowly being restored.

 

Onwards Evertonians

It is certainly a case of onwards and upwards for the former Evertonian and his old club but what does the departure of Barkley tell us about Everton’s direction? Initially, his departure was perceived as a blow to the club. It was thought that Everton were so badly run that they could not keep hold of a player who supported the club, despite the money at their disposal. Everton have responded with some fantastic recruitment and have transformed into a contender for the top 6. The signings of Zouma, Mina, Gomes, Lucas Digne, Bernard and Richarlison have given Everton their most talented line up for years. Everton look like they mean business and are playing some scintillating football.

It is a shame that this is without Barkley but in truth, the 24 year old struggled to find consistency after that breakout season 5 years ago. Roberto Martinez struggled to find a definite role for Barkley, switching him between the number 8 and the number 10 role. It was unclear as to whether he was suitable for either. Barkley was often criticised for choosing the wrong passing option in attack and his tactical awareness in defence. He was criticised by Ronald Koeman and Roy Hodgson for that reason and his confidence was shattered. This was compounded by an off field distraction when he was assaulted in a nightclub in Liverpool. It was clear that Barkley was unhappy in his final full season at Everton. The move has turned out to be the right thing for both parties.

Better Place for Blues and Barkley

Frankly, Everton are in a far better place now than they were last January. Barkley would find it difficult to get into this team at the moment, with the front 5 playing exceptionally well. Ross Barkley is now a part of Everton’s history, a story of unfulfilled promise. Evertonians will hope to have the last laugh over their former diamond on Sunday.

What are your thoughts on Ross Barkley’s departure from Everton? Would you welcome him back or has he burned his bridges? Let us know in the comments section below.