ROSS IS BLUES’ POWER PLAYER

His all-action style gives Sarri new dimension

WHaT a week it’s been for ross Barkley. Five days after playing a key role in england’s thrilling victory over Spain, he came off the bench for Chelsea to rescue a crucial point.

Barkley may only have been on the pitch for 21 minutes at Stamford Bridge but his confidence levels were sky high after the win in Seville.

What i love about him is his willingness to run with the ball, go past people and get his team up the pitch. He is Maurizio Sarri’s power player, someone who can supply that moment of magic to turn a match — even if it’s from the bench.

He is looking in better shape than ever. Having a clear summer has allowed him to recover fully from his hamstring injury and return to action super fit.

playing alongside Harry Winks in england’s midfield really complements his game. like Barkley, Winks has had a long recovery from a bad injury, with ankle problems keeping him out for much of last season.

While Winks may not play the same Hollywood passes as Barkley, rarely do you see him lose possession. He gets it, gives it and keeps things simple.

Winks has been successful with at least 90 per cent of his passes in four of the five games he has started for Tottenham this season. He attemped 70 passes in Spurs’ win at West Ham on Saturday — more than any player on the pitch — and completed 63.

Gareth Southgate will be delighted by both players’ contributions this weekend. When england lost to Spain in September, there were questions surrounding who could solve the conundrum in Southgate’s midfield.

Barkley and Winks prove that we have creative players who can keep the ball. With dele alli and Jesse lingard to come back from injury, the talent pool in england’s midfield suddenly looks a whole lot deeper.