Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley is not having the best of times at the club recently and Jamie Redknapp has expressed his concerns over the player.

Redknapp discusses Barkley

Speaking on Sky Sports [via HITC], he said: "The fact that Grealish isn’t playing and he’s not still playing, it’s a worry for him. He’s got ability but when you go out on loan to a club it’s a big opportunity to show what you got. Showcase, this is what Chelsea will be missing. He’s obviously not doing enough. Now, he’s sitting on the bench and he’s waiting for his chance."

The Englishman needs to step up

Villa manager Dean Smith has spoken highly of the player, calling him a 'marquee signing'. Some may have expected Barkley would have come straight into the side when Jack Grealish picked up an injury, but Smith has favoured other options, including emerging academy star Jacob Ramsey. Barkley has had to be content with a substitute's role in his last two games.

The Chelsea loanee has posed an attacking threat, managing 1.9 shots and 1.8 key passes per game (WhoScored). However he has only managed three goals and one assist, so it is understandable to see why Smith is looking at other options in his squad.

When he is next given a chance, the 27-year-old will have to be at his best if he wants to have a future either at Villa or at Chelsea. Redknapp is right to fear for Barkley, whose ineffectiveness has cost him his place in the side.

In other news, many Villa fans fumed at this ace in their match against Wolves!