Ross Barkley

[Reddish-Blue 2,223]

People need to stop thinking of Barkley as an AM. Almost positive his future lies further back as a #8. Think he'll be going head to head with Wilshere in the England setup in the middle of the park.

You can't stop thinking of Barkley as an AM..because that's his position: the most advanced of Everton's three midfielders.

Barry and McCarthy do the dirty work in midfield and then Barkley gets forward to support Mirallas, Naismith/Pienaar and Lukaku

I'm not sure how well Matic + Barkley with Oscar as the CAM would work...but it doesn't look like the right combination.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Let me rephrase - if we got a WC striker in and Lukaku wasn't ready to accept a number two role here (just hypothetically) would you then do it?

No I still would take 30-35m for Romelu and invest in a CM and a LB.

[Sidzeret 2,257]

The million dollar question- Can he play in the pivot and compliment Matic?

[haranr 485]

The million dollar question- Can he play in the pivot and compliment Matic?

Sure

[Mufassir08 2,400]

Let me rephrase - if we got a WC striker in and Lukaku wasn't ready to accept a number two role here (just hypothetically) would you then do it?

If and that is a big if Lukaku does not want to be 2nd choice then I would sell him to the highest bidder and use that money to invest in a couple of top class midfielders.

[Severinb 309]

I have a feeling he is the player jose always wanted as a number 8 and/or10 for chelsea. I can see us paying enough and geting him in the summer!

[kellzfresh 7,226]

I have a feeling he is the player jose always wanted as a number 8 and/or10 for chelsea. I can see us paying enough and geting him in the summer!

True. He likes strength on the ball, power in his shots, freekicks specialists and is english. Will replace lamps completely

[lionsden 4,689]

Premiership experience aside. Is the gap, talent wise, between barkley and Loftus cheik so huge as to justify paying the ridiculous sum that he will likely go for rather than just nurture RLC into the first team. I have seen enough of both players to know the answer is no. IMO ofcourse.

[Special Juan 27,103]

Premiership experience aside. Is the gap, talent wise, between barkley and Loftus cheik so huge as to justify paying the ridiculous sum that he will likely go for rather than just nurture RLC into the first team. I have seen enough of both players to know the answer is no. IMO ofcourse.

I agree, and it's a good point. It can also be labelled straight towards paying huge sums for Costa and that of shotting Lukaku straight in as #1 striker next season.

[lionsden 4,689]

I agree, and it's a good point. It can also be labelled straight towards paying huge sums for Costa and that of shotting Lukaku straight in as #1 striker next season.

The grass is always greener on the other side.

It's funny because if RLC was playing for a premier league club with the combination of his size, athleticism and technical ability, the same people will be calling for the club to splash the cash on him. It's amazing what EPL experience can do to a young players value.

[Special Juan 27,103]

And it's all down to whether the manager is willing to take those risks, or so called risks and putting his faith in that so called youngster.

We shall see.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Premiership experience aside. Is the gap, talent wise, between barkley and Loftus cheik so huge as to justify paying the ridiculous sum that he will likely go for rather than just nurture RLC into the first team. I have seen enough of both players to know the answer is no. IMO ofcourse.

One would expect they'd feature in different positions (Barkley as a number 10, RLC as a member of the pivot).

[nadavTKL 1,787]

Barkley as a number 10 in Chelsea? absolutely not, we have Willian and Oscar who are better and more talented.

I dont know if he can play in the pivot, he doesnt play there in Everton. I would hate it if we'll sign him, and for those ridiculous fees mentioned... probably just another over hyped english player.

[oldportblue 547]

And it's all down to whether the manager is willing to take those risks, or so called risks and putting his faith in that so called youngster.

We shall see.

exactly, we see bits and pieces of our youngsters every once and a while but mourinho is there day in day out and he'll surely have his own ideas on whether loftus-cheek can fulfill his potential and get to the level barkley is already at... if jose chooses the route of buying barkley, i trust his judgement more than mine, or anyone else on here, so we just have to hope it all pans out in the end... i quite like barkley and have been waiting for us to buy top quality english talent so him and luke shaw are welcome here as far as i'm concerned

[The Skipper 20,593]

Premiership experience aside. Is the gap, talent wise, between barkley and Loftus cheik so huge as to justify paying the ridiculous sum that he will likely go for rather than just nurture RLC into the first team. I have seen enough of both players to know the answer is no. IMO ofcourse.

RLC is more of a #6 (Matic) whilst Barkley is more of a #8 (Lampard)... But your point is still valid.

[Nike 373]

I think he can replace Ramires, however, I don't know how good his passing is nor his stamina range...

He does make very good runs and has a fantastic shot.

[zolayes 14,489]

I think he can replace Ramires, however, I don't know how good his passing is nor his stamina range...

He does make very good runs and has a fantastic shot.

big fish small pond ... no thanks

[Posh Chels 48]

Lots of rumours about our interest in him and Stones recently

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/romelu-lukakus-future-hinges-on-chelseas-interest-in-ross-barkley-and-john-stones-9331372.html