Everton manager Ronald Koeman has warned that Ross Barkley must finally live up to his expectations.
Barkley’s reputation as a burgeoning playmaker has suffered significantly in recent months, during the death throes of Roberto Martinez’s tenure, but was still called up by England to feature at Euro 2016.
And following his appointment as Blues boss, Koeman is keen to restart the Wavertree-born prodigy’s trajectory.
“He’s already a key player for Everton, even at a young age,” said Koeman.
“I look forward to working with him and making him a better player. I like him as a player because he is good with his left foot, right foot and has a good view of the pitch.
“But he needs to improve, he is not just a talent any more he is a national team player and expectations are strong.
“We will give him every support. It is about building a good relationship with the players, showing them what they have to do to improve. It starts in the morning and finishes in the evening.
“I am a nice man in the press, in the dressing-room, sometimes different. You need to be critical if you have reason but most of the time, you keep that inside the club.”