In 2013, then Everton manager Roberto Martinez labelled Ross Barkley as “England’s diamond” after playing in a 1-1 draw away at Arsenal.
But fast forward to 2019 and Chelsea boss Frank Lampard accused the midfielder of “lacking professionalism”. It summarises how topsy turvy a career Barkley has had, but since signing for Luton Town in the summer, the 30-year-old is once again starting to look like the player who was being touted as England’s diamond all those years ago.
Having come through the Everton academy, Barkley made his first-team debut in 2011 but his breakout season was two years later, when he became one of the most promising young midfielders in England and won a place in the England squad at the Brazil World Cup. No wonder Martinez spoke so highly of him.
In 179 appearances for Everton, Barkley scored 21 goals from midfield but injuries started to disrupt his career, with a long-term hamstring problem scuppering a proposed move to Tottenham.
When he was finally fully fit, he was sold to Chelsea for £15m in January 2018 but it was not plain sailing. In four years , he struggled to establish himself, going on loan at one point to Aston Villa. During four years at Chelsea he managed just 12 goals in 100 appearances and lost his international place.
Barkley’s stock was pretty low towards the end of his spell at Chelsea. A season in France with OGC Nice saw him play 28 times, scoring four goals before being released in June 2023, making him a free agent.
Luton Town had just been promoted from the Championship and were looking to bolster their squad ahead of a first ever Premier League campaign so Barkley was picked up on a free transfer just three days before the opening game of the season. It was a chance for a fresh start with a club that was being written off as having little chance of staying up.
But at Kenilworth Road, Barkley has shown the quality that many had forgotten he possesses as the Hatters attempt to survive their first season in the top flight. His maturity and control in games has been much needed for a Luton side battling at the bottom end of the table. He has three goals and three assists so far this season, and has played an integral part in Luton’s midfield, making 23 appearances.
This summer will mark ten years since Barkley was awarded a place in the England World Cup squad, and as the season begins to draw to a conclusion, Barkley’s name is being mentioned as a potential option for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
England have one more international break in March before the European Championships in Germany and Barkley’s performances are putting him in the spotlight once again. It speaks to what a terrific coup the Luton recruitment department pulled off in signing him on a free transfer and illustrates the sensible and shrewd approach that they have taken this season, refusing to be swept away by the glitz and glamour of the Premier League like so many others have been.
Rob Edwards refused to comment on a possible recall to the national team, but spoke highly of the 30 year-old.
“We love him (at Luton), he is playing really really well. He is certainly helping us”
Whilst Edwards remained coy about a possible call up, the momentum for him to earn a recall to the squad is increasing. England’s midfield is competitive and talented, but with doubts around Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson, Barkley certainly deserves serious consideration based on this season’s performances.
For Barkley, it would be the culmination of an incredible resurgence from forgotten man to looking like the 20-year old wonderkid he once was.
