The Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern are beginning to grow tired of Ross Barkley’s recent poor run of form…
As he so often does, Barkley started the season fantastically – but in recent weeks, he has slowed down to a near stop.
He has been dropped a couple of times by Ronald Koeman, in what appeared as a desperate attempt to force the Englishman into a run of form, but nothing seems to be working.
At 23-years-old, Barkley is no longer just ‘potential’, but rather – he is a fully developed footballer that needs to be performing, and at present, he is simply not playing well enough.
It did not come as a surprise, then, to learn that Koeman is reportedly open to offers for the midfielder – with the Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern beginning to come around to life after Barkley.
But should Barkley leave, who could play in his place? Koeman is not blessed with midfield depth, and he will undoubtedly have to have a real midfield rejig in order to make it work.
With that said, if Barkley leaves, this is the potential new-look 2017 Everton midfield…
CM – Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye is the glue that holds the Toffees’ midfield together – and that will not change with or without Ross Barkley.
He has been touted as the best signing of the summer by a few of the Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern, and it is hard to dispute that claim.
After a summer move to Merseyside, Gueye has immediately impressed in the heart of the midfield – even outshining Chelsea man N’Golo Kante earlier in the campaign.
He has become crucial to Ronald Koeman’s side, and that will continue going forward.
CM – Gareth Barry
Gareth Barry has been a revelation since arriving at Everton, and like Gueye – he is an undroppable member of this midfield.
The balance he brings to the side is hugely undervalued, with Barry offering the perfect transitional piece between defence and attack.
He isn’t a youngster anymore, but that doesn’t appear to be holding him back – with the Englishman a near constant for Koeman so far this season.
Barry and Gueye are the near perfect midfield duo.
CM – Morgan Schneiderlin
How do you make a near perfect midfield duo even better? The addition of Morgan Schneiderlin is a pretty good place to start.
The French midfielder has not had a chance at Man Utd this season, and if reports are to be believed – he could be heading for Goodison Park.
He knows Koeman well from his time at Southampton, and he would complete the Everton defence – unquestionably.
His range of passing and defensive qualities would compliment Barry and Gueye perfectly.
