Once again, this £27m-rated Chelsea and England star is on borrowed time – opinion
Chelsea's English midfielder Ross Barkley reacts after missing a chance during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in London on September 28, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Frank Lampard has described Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley as “showing a lack of professionalism” after he was pictured shirtless in a nightclub while struggling with an ankle injury. The incident occurred during the international break, and his club manager said he must “show his reactions on the pitch”.
Former Everton midfielder Barkley has made five starts in the Premier League this season but is yet to register a goal or an assist. His club form mirrors his displays for the Three Lions in the Nations League where he also did not contribute to any goals. However, in a European Championship Qualifying campaign, England dominated he has found the back of the net four times in four matches.
Assessing his contribution in the Premier League so far this term it is easy to see why Lampard has favoured selecting, Matteo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho. Barkley is averaging 32 passes per match, while Jorginho is averaging well over double that figure and creating four times the number of big chances with his passing.
Defensively, both Jorginho and Kovacic have a significantly improved tackle success rate, the pair have an average of 69 and 67 per cent respectively, while Barkley’s is 29 per cent. The Englishman’s interceptions are also way down on the pair of players he is competing against, he has three, compared to Kovacic’s nine and Jorginho’s 23. Though the England international cannot be accused of giving up on the cause defensively and had put his body on the line seven times to block shots.
Proceedings are still early on in the club season, and he has time to regain some form once he has fully recovered from his ankle injury. Still, he is fortunate that England have lacked in midfield options meaning he has regularly been selected. Although with Mason Mount emerging at Stamford Bridge, as well as James Maddison for Leicester City. Both of the youngsters have four Premier League goals and have made their England debuts this season.
Barkley himself admitted that his transfer to Chelsea was “unbelievable” and “a fresh start”, his incident during the international break showed he is not currently making the most of the opportunity he has been offered. With other younger players sniffing at his heels time is running out for him to prove himself as Champions League and International quality.