31 Oct 2016

Redknapp warns: 'Amazing' €41m sensation 'might have to leave' to escape Gerrard-like pressure

Ex-Red Jamie Redknapp has suggested that Everton star Ross Barkley may have to quit Goodison Park to fulfill his potential.

Speaking to Sky Sports over the weekend, Redknapp claimed that Barkley suffers from 'homegrown player syndrome' where the expectations of being at his boyhood team 'weigh heavily on his shoulders'. Redknapp further added:

“I want to see more from him because he has got amazing talent, he travels with the ball so well [but] he might have to leave Everton to go on.”

If Barkley doesn't have the mental fortitude or self-confidence to make it Everton (where he has the major advantage of being revered by the homegrown fanbase), it's doubtful that he'll suddenly excel at a bigger club. Indeed, according to Reds legend Graeme Souness:

"If you're going to be a big player you take all that on your shoulders. If he [Barkley] is not that sort of character, he won't get to where he should be".

In April 2013, Liverpool were linked with an improbable move for Barkley, who is highly-rated by a number of ex-Reds.

* Dietmar Hamann: "I'd carry [Ross] Barkley from Goodison to Anfield if Liverpool could have him"

* Jamie Redknapp: "He [Barkley] is magnificent. We’ve not had a player in this country since Gazza who can run the length of the pitch with the ball without ever looking under pressure. It’s as if the ball is glued to his foot".

* Mark Lawrenson: "He is pure gold. Whether he is still at Goodison or moves on, he should develop into a massive midfield presence"

* Jamie Carragher: “We talk about the players that will come through and replace Steven Gerrard? That goal on Saturday was Gerrard-like"

Martin Keown - who also played for the Everton - has also suggested that Barkley is a player Liverpool should pursue:

"[Ross] Barkley is the perfect replacement for [Steven] Gerrard. He has all the potential to be the leading player of his generation".

Right now, it looks like that 'potential' is not being realised. As for a possible move to Liverpool - extremely doubtful (!)

^ €41m-rated (CIES Football Observatory)


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