Roy Hodgson says Ross Barkley is a special talent and just needs a club that believe in him
England international hasn't signed a new contract and his first-team place is under threat due to Ronald Koeman's summer spree
ROY HODGSON reckons Ross Barkley just needs a club that believes in him.
The former England boss handed Barkley his international debut as a teenager when he was hailed as the future.
But the 23-year-old’s Everton future is in doubt following Ronald Koeman’s summer spree and the midfielder failing to sign a new contract.
Hodgson said: “If Ross can find a club where people believe in him as much as we did in the England set-up, he will do well.
“Players with special talent are players who will divide opinion.
“He’s a risky passer. He’s a midfielder who will turn with the ball. He will take players on and he will attempt a shot from 20 yards.
“He’s not lazy and he will do the work and will recover and try to defend.
“But he’ll be the first to admit he could do with some help. He’s not the finished article and won’t always get it right in that respect.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
“But if you tell him how to do it right he’ll do it. He’s a good learner.”
Barkley is recovering from groin surgery and will be down the Goodison pecking order when he returns.
Davy Klaassen has arrived from Ajax in Barkley’s position and Wayne Rooney’s arrival will also limit his chances.
Hodgson, speaking at Leaders in Sport, believes Roo can win back his England place if he plays regularly for Koeman.
He added: “As far as Gareth Southgate is concerned it will be great, he’ll have a chance to watch him on a regular basis. He’ll be playing every week.”