Everton: Does Ross Barkley still have a role to play?

As Everton continue to struggle, is it possible midfielder Ross Barkley could still play a part in helping the team find their form, before he leaves?

We’re paraphrasing a well known quote here, but a month is a long time in professional sports. This is arguably something Everton fans would be prepared to attest to, in light of recent events.

Back on Sept. 26, things were looking good for Evertonians. Their team had started the competitive campaign with four points from two league games, while also advancing to the group stage of the Europa League.

However, since then it’s been more down than up, highlighted by a sequence of four consecutive losses. Even two straight wins were ruined to some extent, after Apollon Limassol’s late equalizer on Thursday night.

Adding more credence to our quote above, let’s consider two individuals, starting with Ronald Koeman. Just a month ago, the Everton manager could do little wrong.

Koeman was being praised for his no-nonsense approach, who made sure no one thought they were bigger than the club. In addition, the indifferent start by the team was seen as a result of an influx of new players, with everyone still gelling together and building up a rapport.

Now though, the opinion couldn’t be more different, with people claiming the former Barcelona player is falling out with everyone and is clueless, when it comes to tactics and motivating the team. Fair or not, perception is reality.

Which brings us to the second individual. A certain Ross Barkley.

Mention his name a month ago, and a lot of people would be seething, saying they couldn’t wait to see him leave, accusing him of being disloyal and selfish. Now though, it’s conceivable supporters are starting to soften their stance, and it’s down to the team’s struggles.

As per an article from Aiden Cusick of HITC, some Everton fans now believe they need Barkley back in the team. The realisation seemed to stem from this tweet by former Blues’ defender Michael Ball, during Thursday night:

Massively missing players who can run forward with the ball.

Players are all too close to each other. We need to break the lines #EFC
— Michael Ball (@bally03) September 28, 2017

Ball’s comments resulted in Evertonians replying in their droves. The overriding sentiment was that Everton needed Barkley back in the team. (You can read all the tweets by clicking here, courtesy of Cusick’s article.)

Now, we appreciate a certain segment of the Blues’ fan base responding to Ball, doesn’t represent the opinion of everyone. Regardless, it’s tough to argue Barkley wouldn’t be able to help the team, especially based on his resume on the pitch.

Of course, there are a few issues to consider in this, the first relating to the 23-year-old’s current injury situation.As things stand, he is not expected to return until at least November and possibly as late as December.

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And even when Barkley is fit again, would Koeman relent and put him back in the line up? The Blues’ manager is renowned for his stubbornness — loyalty if you want to be positive — and previously vowed to freeze the player out, after he refused to sign a contract extension.

Of course, desperate times call for desperate measures. In that respect, if Everton are still struggling when Barkley is ready, you imagine even Koeman would reconsider his stance.

However, even if the England international does return to the starting line up, how long will it be for? If Everton are to get any money for him before his current deal expires, they would need to sell him in January.

This sounds straightforward enough, but what if Barkley galvanises the team and they go on a good run with him in the side? At that point, does the form of the team become more important than making some profit on a player, even though he’s essentially admitted there is little chance of him remaining on Merseyside past this season.

All in all, this is a potentially fascinating scenario, with no easy answer. The only way Koeman can avoid such an awkward situation, is to start producing more positive results between now and November, which is easier said than done.

Next: Blues keeping track of forward Jonathan Kodjia

What would you do with Barkley, once he’s ready to return from injury? Would you put him back in the team, or would you prefer to keep him on the sidelines? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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