Could Ross Barkley Be The Key to England's Success in Brazil?

Photo Removed
Complex Original

Blank pixel used during image takedowns

Photo Removed

Full Name: Ross Barkley
Club: Everton
Country: England
DOB: 5 December 1993 (age 20)
Height: 6’ 2”

When you look at the England roster of players headed to Brazil this summer, there is one name that definitely sticks out – Ross Barkley. It is all testaments to the fantastic season the Everton midfielder has had and his desire to transition from a loan player to World Cup potential star in less than 10 months.

With 38 appearances and 7 goals for the Toffees, Barkley has completely elevated his status in one season. Several fellow players have heralded his talent and touted his potential as one of the best English midfielders, but didn’t have the opportunity to see this before the start of this season. With loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds during the 2012/13 season, he made a positive impression but it still wasn’t enough to win his place within the Everton first team.

His opportunity came with the arrival of Roberto Martinez, a new manager with a fresh vision for the club. Barkley’s direct style of play and box to box energy suited the style and Martinez has honed the 20 year olds talent perfectly through the 2013/14 campaign. Starting in the first game of the season versus Norwich, he set the tone by scoring in the game and putting in a very polished performance for a then 19 year old. During the first half of the season, Barkley put in several man-of-the-match performances, notably against Arsenal and Swansea City – in the latter game he scored the winning goal. His solo goal versus Newcastle will go down as a Premier League classic, and although it didn’t win goal of the season it was one that received plenty of consideration.

When it comes to style of play, Barkley has the exact credentials that England is missing in their midfield. He fits the mold of a Michael Carrick, only Barkley boasts a much better eye for goal and a lot more energy. At 6’ 2”, he has stature on his size and can compete physically with the best like for example Yaya Toure. He also has a unique ability to dribble very confidently with the ball and make things happen with his positive style of play.

Did you know? Barkley had the option for playing for either the Nigerian national team through his grandfather being Nigerian.

When it comes to English midfielders, Steven Gerrard is the only real driving presence that pushes the game forward and looks to get involved in the attack. But Stevie G is also more renowned for his grit and desire to be a leader. Barkley has a far different set of characteristics and he really has the ability to be so much more for the Three Lions. He is a driving force with a creative nature, as much energy as the energizer bunny and an ability to score some fantastic goals. His willingness to be involved in the game could be a very key weapon to success for England.

So why was his inclusion seen to the shock selection? Going off form, he certainly deserves his place in the squad, but all too often coaches look for tried and trusted formulas, what works for them and what will help them get immediate results. Barkley is a bit of an unknown factor at international level and he will have to be mentally prepared for what will transpire in Brazil. Many critics state his inclusion is just for experience, but I wouldn’t be too sure about that. If he brings his A game to the upcoming preparation games and works hard in training, he won’t be too far off a game day jersey in my opinion. And once a hardworking, creative, young midfielder gets an opportunity to play in front of a worldwide audience, anything can happen!

1.

Barkley in Hypervenom

Ross Barkley Wears the Nike Hypervenom Phantom

We are familiar with the Hypervenom Phantom being an attacking marketed boot and to date, Nike’s advertising strategy has been spot on. Neymar and Wayne Rooney are two of the primary stars promoting the agility inspired boot and we have seen the positives they bring to both players style of play. Since mid-March of this year, Barkley has been sporting the Lime colorway of the boot. Prior to that, he was wearing the CTR360 Maestri, but with their imminent departure from the market, he needed to switch to another option. His ability to dribble with the ball plus score spectacular goals, fits right in line with the expectations of the Swoosh.

The upper of the Hypervenom is comprised of a mesh underlay, a layer of skin over it and the final product is treated with ACC technology. There is a lot going on technology wise and when you get a pair in hand, the first thing you will notice is the feel of the honeycomb paneling, with that dimple effect covering the entire surface of the boot. On the ball, there really is a thin feel even though you get that raised bubble region in between each of the panels. With a pair on his feet, Barkley seems confident and well able to control a game while ensuring he is involved in the attacking side of things. Over the next few generations of the boot, we expect to see more of Barkley included in advertising campaigns as the face of a boot that really does suit his style of play.