Martinez: Barkley is a good listener and always wants to learn
Roberto Martinez fully believes that Ross Barkley has the mental strength and grounding to take all the media hype about him fully in his stride. Martinez says that because of the type of person that he is, he should find it easy for all the fuss.
He said: “He was born to be on a football pitch and it is so natural for him. He enjoys the game. I think it goes down to his personality. As I have said before, Ross is ready for all of that.”
Despite being a youngster, Barkley has had enough set backs in his career to help him appreciate when things are going right and it included a nasty leg break while away on England duty.
“The injury when he was young, and being away on loan has made him mature a lot,” he added. “He doesn’t take anything for granted. Anything that comes his way, he is embracing it, enjoying it and mastering it.
“So in terms of that personality that you want in a footballer, Ross is a perfect example at our football club. Any experience that comes his way is going to help him develop. He is a good listener and he always wants to learn – so I have no concerns at all.
“The bigger the challenge for Ross, the bigger his response – and that is a real strength to have as a footballer.”
Barkley is definitely going on to bigger things and seems to be enjoying his football at the moment.
How has Martinez handling of Barkley helped him this season? Have your say at www.theevertonforum.com