Koeman: Barkley has turned a corner at Everton

Ross Barkley is slowly learning to adapt to what Ronald Koeman is demanding of him – according to the Everton boss.

After a sluggish start to the season, England international Barkley has hit top form in 2017 with two assists in their thumping of Manchester City and another strong showing last time out against Palace.

The Toffees have won three in a row without conceding a goal in the league and Barkley’s commitment to the cause has been a key factor – according to Koeman.

“We speak a lot with Ross about what we need for the team from his qualities,” he said.

“We know if you are a midfield player, you need to run, you need to work, you need to defend.
Barkley’s heat map shows just how busy he was at both ends of the pitch.

“But what we saw today is a midfielder who is always free, has good control of the ball, had a good shot in the first half, and had some good assists for scoring goals.

(Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)

“We don’t need Ross to get the ball from a defender to turn and play a five-yard pass. We need him in the final third attacking. He’s changing in that regard and that’s what we need and what we like.

“We needed that support for Romelu Lukaku from Ross, and from Kevin Mirallas and Ademola Lookman when he came on.”