Baines: We can’t weigh Barkley down with expectation
Everton left-back Leighton Baines has warned the media and Everton supporters not to weigh Ross Barkleys young shoulders down with expectation.
The young Everton midfielder came off the bench in the 1-0 defeat at Chelsea and has struggled with his form since returning from a fractured toe and Baines has warned that he needs time as he is still very inexperienced.
“Over the course of a season every young player’s form will fluctuate, usually more when you are young because you are still learning and developing.
“What we have to do is be careful not to weigh him down with too much expectancy this early in his career.
“Ross is still going through these development years and discovering new things. The great thing for him is that this season he has had more football than before and been allowed to grow in that way, and both us and him will see the fruits of that further down the line.
“I’ve been in the same boat this season with a similar injury and there is still pain after you come back. We need to show him patience and understanding.”
Speaking about the Chelsea game, Baines says that his side need to be better when presented chances
He added: “We’ve been to all of the big grounds and acquitted ourselves really well – we’ve been the better side more often than not. That’s a positive, but we’ve got to get more clinical in the final third.
“There were good options to come off the bench – attacking ones like Aiden (McGeady) and Gerry (Deulofeu) and Rom (Lukaku) will be coming back. There’s plenty of options there.
“Unfortunately, Lacina (Traore) pulled up just before the game and had to pull out, but hopefully it won’t be too serious and we’ll have him back soon as well.”
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Not only has he experienced the break,which came from very little contact and must remind him of his earlier injury.He has seen Bryan carried off with a serious leg break occasioned from a nothing tackle. A young lad who nearly had his dreams curtailed with a similar injury is almost certain to dwell on what ifs. I’d be surprised if he hadn’t reacted really. Give the lad a chance and the time to come to terms with the dangers inherent in the game.