Roy fears for ‘lost star’ Ross
ROY HODGSON has warned that Ross Barkley is in danger of becoming a “lost talent”.
The former England boss insists Barkley is a special player, but needs to find a club where he is fully appreciated.
Barkley, 23, has become an Everton outcast after refusing to sign a new deal.
The midfielder could be on his way, but Hodgson – who took him to last year’s Euros – believes it could haunt Everton if they let him go.
Hodgson, talking at the Leaders event in Beijing, said: “If Ross can find a club where people believe in him as much as we did in the England set-up he’ll do well.
“Players with special talent are players who will divide opinion. He’s a risky passer. He’s a midfielder who will turn with the ball.
“He will take players on and go past them. He will attempt a shot from 20 yards.
“As a result, some of the 20-yard shots will fly over the crossbar and people will say he should’ve passed it and some of the turns in midfield will be dispossessed and some of the risky passes will be cut out. But there are lots of players who can’t produce that level of ability.”
When asked if he was in danger of becoming a lost talent, Hodgson added: “Yes, he is. Unfortunately, that’s because of the pressures we put on people.
“I got the impression with Ross that it wasn’t so much Everton were unhappy with him, but that they were unhappy he wasn’t signing a new contract. I hope he stays on board because he’s definitely a talent.”