Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes Ross Barkley will not buckle under the pressure despite only being 19-years-old.
The Englishman has burst onto the scene this season after only missing three minutes in the Premier League, where he has scored two goals already and provided a lot of positivity for The Toffees.
His recent performances in the league have also been spotted by England boss Roy Hodgson, who has called the 19-year-old up to his latest squad for the two upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.
Despite being thrown into the spotlight this season, Barkley’s boss, Roberto Martinez, believes he is ready for the big-stage.
“Ross is upset even when he can’t win in training, never mind when he can’t be involved in games,” said the Spaniard.
“He is a young man who has been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and is desperate to enjoy every single second.
“When you are young you don’t feel tired. He has a terrific energy and it is just the start of what is going to be a very special season for him.”
Not only is Martinez hopeful for Barkley’s future, he is looking forward to seeing Romelu Lukaku develop over the season, especially with Barkley playing behind him.
“You see good players always understand each other. I thought Ross and Romelu clicked in the second half of the West Ham game and have developed in training a bit of a natural understanding of each other’s game,” he said.
“You are talking about 20-year-old players who excite you for the future.
“Their potential is terrific and we have to keep working and developing them because they are an important part of our team now.
“You can always work on certain aspects of the player but normally it is a natural relationship that is allowed to develop.
“Good players always get to know each other well in the way they enjoy their football. It is something which they can grow and improve in the future.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
