Kevin Kilbane: What new Chelsea signing needs to improve at Stamford Bridge
The former Irish defender believes Ross Barkley needs to improve his decision making to be a success at Chelsea
Ross Barkley needs to improve his decision making on the ball to be a success at Chelsea, Kevin Kilbane has warned.
The England international completed a £15m move to defending Premier League champions Chelsea from Everton in the January transfer window.
Barkley’s transfer fee was significantly less than the £35m that Chelsea reportedly submitted in the summer.
The 24-year-old has a point to prove at Stamford Bridge after his Premier League career started to stagnate under Ronald Koeman in the past 18 months.
Indeed, Barkley hasn’t made a Premier League appearance in the current campaign due to a hamstring problem.
Former Everton star Kilbane believes the Merseyside talent’s big issue is his decision making, which the ex-Irish defender warned must improve at Chelsea.
“Decision making is Barkley’s one big flaw,” Kilbane told Irish radio station Newstalk.
“When he has been considered by the big clubs, you get to a certain age and your decision making improves.
“The biggest downfall at Everton was he didn’t know the game. He didn’t have any defensive nous.”
Barkley netted 27 times in 179 games in all competitions during his eight-season spell in the Everton first team.
The new Chelsea signing has scored against Lithuania and San Marino during his fledging England career so far.
The Blues have plenty of competition for a first-team spot in midfield given the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Danny Drinkwater and N’Golo Kante at Stamford Bridge.
