Aston Villa journalist Mat Kendrick has been sharing his thoughts on Ross Barkley and his time at the Midlands club.
This comes after Kendrick made an appearance on a recent episode of the Birmingham Mail’s Claret & Blue Podcast where he spoke about a range of topics concerning Dean Smith’s side, including their recent 0-0 draw against Everton in the Premier League.
On the subject of Barkley, who started the game against the Toffees at Villa Park, Kendrick had this to say about the midfield man. (2.42)
He said: “The commentator said that that’s probably Ross Barkley’s last appearance in a Villa shirt at Villa Park.
“I’d be inclined to agree, obviously, he can’t play against Chelsea in the final match at Villa Park anyway and I’m not sure he’d be selected anyway now Jack Grealish is back fit and available.
“I thought he was disappointing and a bit flat again [against Everton].”
Villa signed Barkley back in September on a season-long loan deal from fellow Premier League side Chelsea, as Kendrick mentioned in the podcast.
During his time at the Midlands club, the 27-year-old, who is currently valued at £18 million, has made 24 appearances for Villa in the Premier League in which he has managed to score three goals and provide one assist in the process (per Transfermarkt).
TIF Thoughts on Mat Kendrick’s comments on Barkley…
Given how Barkley has failed to provide a goal or assist for Villa since he scored the winning goal in their 1-0 win over Southampton back in January and the fact that he only managed to earn himself an underwhelming match rating of 6.17/10 for his efforts against Everton, it’s understandable why Kendrick thinks the Englishman could find himself out of the team before the end of the season.
Do you think Barkley should start in any of Villa's remaining games?
Yes
No
In our view, if Barkley does get the chance to start any of Villa’s remaining fixtures, he will have to make sure he does all he can to end his season at the club on a positive note which could then put him in a better position for his next career step.
In other news: ‘I spoke to some of his representatives’ – Journalist drops big Aston Villa player update