The Rise of Ross Barkley

Ross Barkley has been known for his talents for a while now, but he has really lived up to the hype in which some have given him, until now. Barkley was in and out of Everton’s first team squad whilst under Moyes tenure and was unable to cement his first team spot. Where he was sent out on loan to gain more first team experience at both Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday. Making only 4 appearances for Leeds and 13 for Sheffield Wednesday scoring in 4 occasions.

Since Martinez has taken over at Everton Barkley has not been out of the squad, starting in Everton’s first league game of this season against Norwich where he scored his 1st goal of the season faking to shot with his left as the ball came across the box taking 3 players out of the game and smashing the ball home from the edge of the box with his right foot. Barkley looks somewhat like Rooney did when he first came on the scene for Everton. Barkley is very unpredictable on the ball and has unbelievable close control with the ball, combined with his acceleration.

Ross has begun this season playing just behind the striker in Jelavic or Lukaku, where he is given a free role to roam the pitch and create opportunities for the Toffee’s. When viewing him playing, it sometimes seems as though he simply glides around the pitch. Martinez has begun making him the main point of attack for Everton in recent games he has been Everton’s highest player in terms of passes received and pass played by himself. As you can see from his stats yesterday for Everton against Newcastle in there 3-2 win.

 

(Data taken from Opta via bbc.co.uk/sport)

As you can see from his stats above, him and Lukaku had a bit of a game for Everton last night with some great link up play, causing Newcastle’s back four some problems throughout the entire game. With both Barkley and Baines creating so many chances for Everton you can only seeing Lukaku prospering with goals for Everton. Since Ross’s recent success he has also received a call up for England and Roy Hodgson looks to prepare a squad for the World Cup next year. Barkley has played for England at Under 16, 17, 19, 20 and 21 level. As you can see he will not be tournament shy when taken to the World Cup, something which England should look to continuing doing as rival nations in Germany, Spain and Italy like to have there young player tournament ready.

Keep an eye out for Barkley and his performances, I’m sure he will only go from strength to strength under Martinez’s style of play.

Take a look at Barkley >>>>>>>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5mRICkII-U and his impressive performance at Norwich >>>>>>>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zu0rgLR11A

Thanks for reading please feel free to leave comments

Follow on Twitter: @TheSFA1

Jed Wallace

19 year old Jed Wallace was Pompey’s glimmer of light in a some what troubled season last year for the former FA Cup winner back in 2008. But with the fortunes of Pompey looking to be turned around by the new men at the helm in the PST (Portsmouth Supporters Trust) the services of this young man will be key to there progression as a club and maybe out of League 2 this coming season.

Wallace is fairly versatile being able to play right along the Midfield and also in a more forward role adding support to the centre forward. The young midfielder has a very good engine which allows him to play box to box for Pompey something which will come in very handy for the Blues if he is kept fit for League 2 this season. Wallace has some what come out of the blue for many scouts looking on as he was an unknown quality sitting in the youth side at Pompey.

Jed began his football playing for a local side in his home town of Reading, Darby Green FC. He then progressed further on to another strong local side in the Reading area in Carshalton Athletic, where he then caught the eye of former FA Cup travelers Farnborough. He then was snapped up by the major south coast side Portsmouth FC where he was loaned back making only 6 appearances. Wallace began progressing with Pompey in the reserve sides and the academy, where he made his debut for Pompey in a League Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle. In the season of 2012-13 Wallace was loaned out by Pompey to conference chasing Whitehawk FC where he made 11 appearances scoring in 8 of those occasions.

Wallace was then called back by Pompey and placed in to there first team squad for the match against Yeovil Town, where he remained for the rest of the season. The young midfielder played 22 times for Pompey last season scoring in 6 occasions, a good record for a young player at League 1 level in such as short space of time. He has recently signed a new 1 year contract extension with Pompey, who have made it clear to on lookers that his services will not come cheaply with clubs such as Stoke City look to acquire the 19 year old’s talents.  In May 2013 Wallace was also called up to the England U19 squad where he made a substitute appearance against Belgium.

Keep an eye out for the progression of Jed Wallace, you may see him sign for a top club.

Have a look at the young midfielder >>>>>> (Skip to 2:30) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-tbNlxQ6vw Wallace at Whitehawk FC >>>>>>>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDdzR_-KCfo Not many video’s of the young player….yet !!!

Current Ability Depending on Position:

Speed: 7/10

Vision: 8/10

Creativity: 8/10

Positioning: 8/10

Shooting: 9/10

Attacking Positivism: 10/10 (Loves to drive forward with the ball at defenses)

Tackling: 6/10

Heading: 7/10

Crossing: 8/10

Current Ability: 80/100

Potential Ability: 88/100

Current Value: 3 million

Potential Value: 12 million