Ross Barkley gives Gareth Southgate food for thought after transforming Luton
Ross Barkley is helping to evolve Luton into a Premier League outfit and reviving his England chances.
Boss Rob Edwards says he “loves” Barkley’s style and the midfield free transfer has helped Luton hit four goals each against Brighton and Newcastle in a week. Barkley ran the game in the first half, looking the outstanding star on the St James’ Park pitch.
He’s helped Luton change from a muscular, long-ball bullying team, into a fully fledged footballing side… without losing their physical qualities. So far this season he has started 15 Premier League games, and three in the FA Cup, scoring three goals and getting three assists in the league.
He comfortably leads Luton’s outfield passing stats with 969 and is second in touches with 1,005, showing his influence, despite being injured for a month. Barkley has drifted around clubs since being deemed unwanted by Chelsea. They could do with him now.
Last season at Nice he was mainly used as a sub, starting just eight league games. He had an unhappy season at Stamford Bridge before that, missing four months, and only playing a handful of games, but before that was a part of Villa’s side.
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Maybe Barkley, with full responsibility for dictating Luton’s new passing game, has found a home where he can thrive. Talk of an England call up may be premature right now, but why not? Although Gareth Southgate watched Jordan Henderson at Ajax at the weekend, rather than the England players on show on Tyneside.
Luton coach Edwards said: “He was great and we love him. He wasn’t perfect, there were still one or two more things I want from him - and he knows - but he’s a huge part of us being able to evolve and change. Since he’s been back in the team and consistently fit, we can take the ball more and have more control. We can work on other things I wasn’t necessarily able to do before. He’s a really important player for us.”
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Barkley and Luton claimed a 4-4 weekend draw at Newcastle (Getty Images)Asked about a return to the England squad, Edwards added: “I don’t want to create big headlines. Gareth is very good at his job and he knows far more than me. All I know is that I love Ross and he’s playing really well.”
Barkley described the amazing 4-4 draw at Newcastle as like a “basketball game” after scoring one and getting an assist. He said: "I think teams might be really surprised at how good we are now.
“They played well, we played well. It was an entertaining game and a good one to be a part of. It's always nice to score a goal, especially here at St. James' Park. Newcastle are a great club with great fans and it is nice to get a goal here today and get the point.
"We are all proud of each other. We have played three games this week and every one has been positive. We have got that never-say-die attitude and that comes from the manager and the staff.”
Barkley is on the up again and showing his huge talent. He will be a huge part in Luton’s survival bid.
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