Ross Barkley opens up on how he has improved since joining Chelsea from Everton
Ross Barkley believes he is enjoying the best form of his career to date and has improved as player since joining a “big club” in Chelsea.
Barkley scored Chelsea’s last-gasp 96th-minute equaliser against Manchester United on Saturday, his first goal at Stamford Bridge, as Maurizio Sarri’s side salvaged a 2-2 draw.
The 24-year-old’s goal was his second in consecutive Premier League outings, having also registered an assist in his side’s 3-0 win at Southampton before he international break.
Barkley followed that up with an impressive showing for England against Spain, having earned his first call-up since 2016 from Gareth Southgate.
When it was put to him that the past fortnight had perhaps been the best of his career to date, Barkley agreed.
“Yeah I’d probably say so. I got a couple of goals and couple of assists and played well for England. It just shows to myself that hard work does pay off in the end,” he said.
Barkley’s career appeared to be at a standstill this time last year, having suffered a serious knee injury that postponed his move to Stamford Bridge from boyhood club Everton.
The midfielder eventually joined up with Chelsea in January and is beginning to blossom under Sarri, whose emphasis on possession-based, attacking football suits Barkley well.
Southgate, meanwhile, has bemoaned England’s dearth of creative midfield players and Barkley believes he can provide the national team with a solution to a long-standing problem.
“I believe that I am a better player now,” he said, thinking back to his previous spells with England.
“I’ve matured, I understand the game much more, which can be natural as you grow up.
“I’m 24 now and I understand the game. I am at a big club now with a lot of expectation and fantastic players around me, and my performances are showing it.
“As the season goes on I’m playing against big teams. We have got a lot of competition in our squad and when you get your chance you have got to take it. I believe that that I am doing the right things.”
