Home Premier League Arsenal Ross Barkley is a cross between Gazza and Ballack, says Martinez

Ross Barkley is a cross between Gazza and Ballack, says Martinez

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Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes youngster Ross Barkley is a blend between Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack, after he put in a sensational performance against table-toppers Arsenal yesterday.

The Toffees came away from the Emirates Stadium with a point after they struck a deserved late equaliser, but it was Barkley that stole most of the plaudits and most of the attention after the full-time whistle.

His performance from the centre of the park was brilliant at times and he looked well within his comfort zone despite going up against the likes of Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey.

After the game, Martinez was bombarded with questions about the Englishman, and he too was full of praise for his starlet.

‘I’ve never seen a young English player with his sort of mentality,’ said Martinez.

‘I can see some (Michael) Ballack in him and some Gazza (Paul Gascoigne). It’s fine for us to make comparisons but he is Ross Barkley. He has great balance, is good with both feet and is developing an incredible awareness.’

‘You can compare him against any of the best young Brazilians, Dutch or even Spanish.’

‘I have great admiration for Ross, he has incredible potential,’ added Martinez.

‘We need to give him time and need to accept that it will take time but he has absolutely everything.

‘The manager of England has to decide what role there is for Ross, if any, but we need to make sure we give him 50 games to see his evolution.

‘Any players with talent need to develop their understanding and the know-how to be effective. As a country we need to be more protective of our young players but if we look after him he can give the nation something unique.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

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