Barkley: I was compared to Michael Ballack when I was 11
Ross Barkley says he doesn’t think too much about being compared to England legend Paul Gascoigne and Germany legend Michael Ballack, but says it’s always nice to get compliments.
Many in the media have made the comparison against former Everton star Gazza due to the attacking skillful playing style of Barkley and the youngster even said his old Sunday League manager when he was 11 said the same thing.
Barkley said: “To get compared to players of that calibre makes me think I must be doing something right on the pitch. I don’t really think about it that much but it’s nice to hear.
“I’ve watched videos of Gazza on YouTube when I was growing up – one of him against the Netherlands in Euro 96 when he was class, so I know what type of player he was. And obviously I watched a lot of Michael Ballack.
“It’s mad because the way Roberto Martinez says I’m like Ballack, my Sunday League manager used to say that when I was 11.
“For me I liked watching Zidane and Kaka – they were the players I wanted to be like. It’s the way they run with the ball.”
Barkley is always looking to improve and it has been commented before that he is one of the most committed players in the Everton side, always looking to train longer and harder. One thing Barkley is keen to improve is his scoring, he said:
“Like any player there’s loads of ways I can improve. I want to score more, but I’m young and I know I’m going to score plenty more.
“I want to be creating more chances too and contributing assists because in my position that’s something I’ve got to be able to do.”
Ross is also loving playing in front of Gareth Barry and James McCarthy as the composure and defensive wall they put behind him allows Barkley to continue working his magic even if it doesn’t come off.
“It’s good playing in front of Gareth (Barry) and James (McCarthy) because I know I’ve got a solid base behind me for protection,” Barkley explained.
“They sense danger and I can express myself higher up the pitch safe in the knowledge we’re secure. If the play ever breaks down they will sort it.
“I’m the type of player that tries things, to try and create chances and beat players. I appreciate them being there. They’re both good on the ball too as well as defensive minded.”
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