View: Everton interest in Ross Barkley blessing in disguise for Aston Villa
Everton’s interest in Chelsea outcast Ross Barkley is a blessing in disguise for Aston Villa as they’re better off without signing him.
The Daily Mail has linked both the Premier League clubs with a move for the England international, but a return to Goodison Park surely would be more tempting for him.
Everton is the club where it all began for him and the fans there loved every bit of his time there and may be happy to welcome him back.
Villa look stacked in the middle of the park and have options in attacking midfield for the upcoming season and the last thing they need is another player there.
Had it not been Barkley and someone in the peak of their powers who could give Philippe Coutinho or John McGinn a run for their money, we would’ve been open to it.
However, the 28-year-old is injury prone and would also demand high wages that may risk disrupting the morale in the dressing room.
Offensively, when compared to three other midfielders that will be ahead of him in the pecking order, (four if Boubacar Kamara is considered), Barkley’s numbers are average at best.
He does not offer the goal and assists threat or set piece prowess like Coutinho or the dribbling ability and willingness to hold on to the table like McGinn.
Even Luiz, who plays a slightly deeper role, does not get dispossessed as often and finds himself making better touches in key areas like the Chelsea attacking midfielder.
Even if he’s considered to play in one of the deeper positions, it’s clear that he will not be able to displace either of the two players.
He offers nothing off the ball in terms of tackles or interceptions and the modern game requires every player to work hard off the ball.
As it can be seen, Coutinho ranks remarkably better than Barkley in these WhoScored metrics.
In other Aston Villa news, manager Steven Gerrard is very keen to bring Liverpool defender Joe Gomez to the club.