Ross Barkley speaks with Unai Emery
Ross Barkley speaks with Unai Emery
Ross Barkley’s charge back to the top of English football is gathering momentum.
That’s the view of Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, who threw the ex-Chelsea midfielder a Champions League lifeline this summer. Barkley, 30, quit Stamford Bridge two years ago after a stop-start stint with the Blues.
He headed out to Nice and then Luton - with his career appearing to be on a downwards trajectory. But Emery kept a close eye on the playmaker and he was one of the first deals done this summer after Villa had secured their top-four spot.
It has taken time for Barkley to make his mark in a congested central midfield area - but he has been a go-to guy if Villa’s boss doesn’t like what he sees. On several occasions he has been drafted in from the bench to affect games - and he has delivered.
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Emery said: “I knew of Barkley before coming here. I’d seen him play at a high level when I was in Spain - and other countries.
“When I came here two years ago, he left England to play in France with Nice.
"I was surprised - but his career hasn’t been consistent. It had been, probably going down.
Ross Barkley celebrates after scoring against Crystal Palace
Ross Barkley celebrates after scoring against Crystal Palace
"Last year, we played Luton at home, here, and we analysed Luton and I was thinking: ‘Wow,’ how he was playing.
“In my ideas, my spirit, my style as a coach he was completely a player who could play with us. Through it, we decided to sign him.
“And he’s doing exactly the same work I was expecting from him. He’s playing well and I think he can improve. He’s humble, he works hard every day in every training session.
“He’s playing always with the focus we want and he maybe not starting matches but he is playing minutes and when he’s in the starting XI, he’s doing very good work.”
Emery may choose to start Barkley against his former club. Amadou Onana missed the Champions League game against Juventus in midweek through injury.
Boubacar Kamara has also only just returned from a long-term problem and he played the full 90 minutes against the Italians, which may open the door for Barkley to start against his former club.
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