Ross Barkley

[eye digress]

I thought he looked a bit ponderous yesterday - wanted too many touches, which is fine if you’re head and shoulders above the others, as he was at Luton - and seemed almost like he was having to read from the script to get his head down and keep the ball moving.

But I’d put that down to his adaptation to our methods and think he will prove a bargain once his software has been fully upgraded.

[PaulWinch again]

I thought he did well, brought composure when we were lacking that.

[eye digress]

Yes he did restore some order, and I wasn’t exactly saying he didn’t do well - more that he is still learning what Unai and the coaches are asking of him. There’s much more to come, I think.

[tony scott]

A lot of simple short passes, he seems to be easing himself into the system.

[rooboy316]

He showed a calmness and quiet confidence of someone who knows his game and his role, which transfers across to how the team operates. Good to see…

[Mister E]

A lot of simple short passes, he seems to be easing himself into the system.

Agreed; recycled the ball well; not ponderous.

[Dante Lavelli]

Big call but I think he might eventually be better than Tielemans in that double pivot role as long as it’s onana or Kamara alongside him.

Tielemans and Barkley makes me shudder.

They are both quality players, good passers of the ball.  Not sure why they make you shudder.

I agree they are great passers of the ball but both need the other to be the “water carrier” so they can be at their best playing front foot football. My fear is that it would be similar to the end of last season where Luiz and Tielemas/Mcginn were being over-run.

[chrisw1]

Looked good to me.  As expected.

[eamonn]

He'll look less orange in the face once autumn amber flourishes and fades.

[Toronto Villa]

While he’s not been spectacular or anything the maturity and composure he has added is so very valuable. Another nice performance today.

[Risso]

Onana had a bit of a stinker first half, but easy to forget he’s still young. Barkley came on and was very assured.

[Ian.]

He’s a very different Barkley to the one that last played here. He’s matured into a fine player. He had moments in his last stint, but he’s far more comfortable and composed. He’s a really good fit for our style too.

[Ian.]

Onana had a bit of a stinker first half, but easy to forget he’s still young. Barkley came on and was very assured.

Typical for him to have that against these, I guess their players knew how to rattle him.

[Steve67]

Barkley was excellent today, will be interesting to see his passing stats.  Dictated the pace of the game and was excellent alongside Tielemans.  It has got to a point with Villa where I am happy with whoever comes on and Barkley is definitely in this club. 

[Garyth]

It has got to a point with Villa where I am happy with whoever comes on and Barkley is definitely in this club. 

Indeed. I was looking at the bench at half time today, and thinking that I would genuinely be interested if any of them were to come on (barring Gauchi, i guess).