ROSS WILL BE BOSS THIS TERM

MAURIZIO SARRI claimed Ross Barkley has the potential to be a “great player” for club and country after his first Chelsea goal.

But the Blues boss insisted the best is still to come from the £15million midfielder who is back in the Three Lions squad.

Sarri retained the former Everton star in his starting team after his impressive midweek display in the Europa League.

And Barkley became the first English Chelsea player to score and provide an assist in a Premier League game since Frank Lampard in 2013.

The Italian (right, with Barkley) said: “I am really happy with him. He has improved week by week, day by day and match by match.

“He had a very serious injury in the last two seasons, he is improving day by day and I think the best will come.

“I said from the first day that he has great physical and technical quality. But he had to improve from the tactical point of view and now he has, I think.

“Potentially he is a great player – he has quality, very important quality from the physical point of view. From the technical point of view. He is improving.

“He will become a very important player and for the England team.”

Barkley, who netted his first Premier League goal since May 2017, added: “I’ve just got to back myself to show what I’m capable of and not go into a shell which is what it can look like I do at times.

“I’ve just got to have the confidence in my own ability which I’m showing right now.

“I believe as the season goes on I’ll continue to show it.”