Ross Barkley, once heralded as one of England’s most promising footballing talents, has experienced a career with incredible highs and lows. From his early rise through the ranks at Everton to playing for top clubs like Chelsea, and now having a stint abroad in the Championship, his career has been one of intrigue. This article explores Barkley’s journey, his stats, and what the future holds for the midfielder who has been on the cusp of greatness for much of his professional life.
Early Life and Development at Everton
Born on December 5, 1993, in Liverpool, England, Ross Barkley’s passion for football ignited at an early age. Raised in a football-centric environment, he joined the youth academy of his hometown club, Everton, when he was just 11 years old. His development was fast-tracked due to his exceptional talent, and by the age of 16, Barkley was already making waves in the Everton youth system.
Barkley’s professional debut for Everton came in August 2010, at the age of 16, under the management of David Moyes. His first appearance came against Queens Park Rangers, where his confidence and composure stood out, signaling the start of what seemed to be a bright career. The subsequent years at Everton would prove to be a developmental stage for Barkley, as he grew both physically and mentally in the competitive Premier League environment.
Breakthrough and Recognition at Everton (2012-2017)
Barkley’s true breakthrough came during the 2012-2013 season when he became a regular starter for Everton. Under Roberto Martínez, who replaced Moyes as manager, Barkley’s talents were unleashed. Martínez gave Barkley the freedom to express his abilities as a creative midfielder, often playing him in an advanced role where he could impact the game in terms of goals and assists.
In his first full season with Everton, Barkley demonstrated his capabilities with several standout performances, including a memorable goal against Newcastle United. His technical skill, dribbling ability, and vision made him one of the most exciting English talents in the Premier League. Barkley’s growing reputation led to a call-up to the England senior squad in 2013, just a few years after making his club debut.
Chelsea (2018-2021): A Move to a Bigger Stage
In January 2018, Ross Barkley completed a move to Chelsea for a reported £15 million, a significant step for his career. His arrival at Stamford Bridge was met with anticipation, as Chelsea had long been in need of a dynamic and creative midfielder to add depth to their squad. Barkley’s transfer was seen as a sign of his potential to reach the upper echelons of English football, especially playing under manager Antonio Conte.
However, Barkley’s time at Chelsea did not initially pan out as expected. His first season at the club was marred by inconsistent form and injuries. Although he had moments of brilliance, such as his performance in the 2018 FA Cup Final, Barkley was unable to consistently hold down a starting spot. The intense competition for places in Chelsea’s midfield, with the likes of Eden Hazard, N’Golo Kanté, and Jorginho, made it difficult for Barkley to find regular first-team football.
Return to the Championship: A New Beginning
In 2022, Ross Barkley’s career took a significant turn when he signed for French club OGC Nice in Ligue 1. The move abroad offered Barkley an opportunity to start afresh in a new environment. His time in France was marked by mixed performances, but he did show glimpses of the technical brilliance that made him such an exciting talent in his youth.
However, by 2023, Barkley decided to return to England, joining Championship side Birmingham City. The decision to play in the second tier of English football was seen as a crucial moment for Barkley’s career, with the midfielder looking to reignite his form and prove himself once again in English football’s competitive environment.
Ross Barkley Stats (2023-2024)
As of the 2023-2024 season, Ross Barkley has continued to contribute at Birmingham City, offering his experience and technical ability in the Championship. Below are his most recent statistics for the season:
Appearances: 32 games across all competitions
Goals: 6 goals
Assists: 7 assists
Minutes Played: 2,520 minutes
Pass Completion Rate: 82%
Dribbles Per Game: 1.2
Tackles Per Game: 1.4
Yellow Cards: 4
Red Cards: 0
Barkley’s stats demonstrate that while he is no longer in the Premier League, he is still an important player in the Championship, contributing with key goals, assists, and crucial leadership in the midfield. His stats suggest that his technical skill is still sharp, and with his work rate, he continues to play a pivotal role for Birmingham City.
International Career
Ross Barkley has had a steady, if not spectacular, international career. He made his senior debut for England in 2013 and was part of the squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Throughout his international career, Barkley has been in and out of the England squad due to his inconsistency at club level. His most significant contribution came in 2016, when he was part of the England squad for UEFA Euro 2016.
Though Barkley has not always been a regular starter for England, his versatility in midfield has been an asset for Gareth Southgate, who values players with the ability to adapt to various tactical setups. His potential for future international call-ups remains intact, but with the increasing competition for places in the England midfield, it’s uncertain whether he will be a consistent fixture in the national team moving forward.
Playing Style of Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley is known for his combination of technical skill, physicality, and creativity. He stands at 6’1” (1.85 meters) and uses his stature to shield the ball effectively, making him a difficult player to dispossess. His dribbling skills are one of his standout attributes, with his ability to glide past opponents in tight spaces being a trademark of his game.
As a midfielder, Barkley is known for his versatility. He has played both centrally and in more advanced attacking roles. His ability to drive forward with the ball and link up play makes him an effective presence in the final third, where he has contributed several goals throughout his career. Additionally, Barkley’s vision and passing range have allowed him to unlock defenses with key passes and through balls.
Injuries and Setbacks
Injuries have been one of the key challenges in Ross Barkley’s career. His time at Chelsea, in particular, was marred by persistent injury problems that prevented him from establishing himself as a first-choice player. A significant hamstring injury in 2020 further hampered his progress, and while he has generally been able to recover from these setbacks, they have undoubtedly had an impact on his career trajectory.
Future Prospects
At 30 years old, Ross Barkley still has the potential to contribute significantly to English football. His time at Birmingham City will likely be crucial in determining the next phase of his career. If he continues to perform at a high level in the Championship, it’s possible that he could attract attention from Premier League clubs once again or potentially secure a move abroad to further extend his career.
While his days at the top of English football may be behind him, Barkley’s future is still filled with potential. As a player with experience, skill, and a strong mentality, he could still offer value to clubs in need of a midfield presence.
FAQ’s
How Old Is Ross Barkley?
Ross Barkley was born on December 5, 1993, which makes him 31 years old as of 2025. Despite being relatively young in footballing terms, his career has already spanned more than a decade, and he remains an influential figure in English football.
What Is Ross Barkley’s Playing Style?
Ross Barkley is a central midfielder known for his creative vision, strong dribbling skills, and long-range passing. He combines power with technical ability, often driving forward with the ball and making late runs into the box. His ability to take on defenders and his knack for scoring from distance makes him a threat in attack. Defensively, he’s more workmanlike but still contributes by breaking up opposition attacks and setting the tempo of the game.
Where Did Ross Barkley Start His Career?
Barkley began his career at Everton, joining their youth academy at the age of 11. He made his professional debut for Everton in 2010, at just 16 years old. This early breakthrough at a top Premier League club demonstrated his potential, and he quickly became a key figure for the club.
To Conclude,
Ross Barkley’s career has been one filled with potential, promise, and occasional frustration. While he may not have fully reached the heights expected of him in his early years, his journey through English football has been one of perseverance. As he looks ahead to his next chapter, whether with Birmingham City or elsewhere, Ross Barkley will be determined to leave a lasting mark on the game. His career is far from over, and with continued dedication, Barkley could yet rediscover the form that once had him tipped for stardom.
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