Former Celtic striker and Sky Sports pundit Andy Walker has claimed that Everton midfielder Ross Barkley could learn a thing or two from Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli.
Both England internationals have been in the headlines of late, but for very different reasons, with Barkley’s future being a main talking point and Alli attracting plenty of plaudits for his form.
After being left out in the cold by manager Ronald Koeman for a spell earlier in the season, the midfielder has since held down a regular spot, but his consistency is still being questioned.
Alli, on the other hand, has been impressing for Tottenham by scoring 16 Premier League goals and creating six assists in 30 appearances.
Walker believes that Barkley has the potential to be a regular game changer for Everton, but he needs to take a leaf out of Alli’s book in order to do so.
The former Scotland international told Sky Sports:
“I would hope that Barkley would think about developing his game and becoming more of a Dele Alli-type player, as he influences games pretty much on a weekly basis, whereas Barkley blows hot and cold. And when he is hot, as he was on Sunday, then Barkley is capable of running the show.”
Meanwhile, there is still doubt over Barkley’s Everton future after Koeman told reporters at the weekend that the midfielder will be sold if he does not sign a new contract in the summer.
