Martinez confident that Barkley will succeed
Everton manager Roberto Martinez is confident that Ross Barkley will succeed because of his love for the game and the fact that he likes to make headlines on the pitch rather than off the pitch.
Martinez says that Barkley is the perfect example for young footballers as he just loves the game but also keeps nice and humble not flashing around the trimmings that come of being a professional footballer.
“He has got the right values as a person and he’s got that love for the game,” said the Spaniard. “He hasn’t got a big ego that attracts attention. He doesn’t want to be someone that attracts headlines off the pitch and that’s why he can cope with all of that attention.
“Whatever the situation is, it’s going to be purely about football and done with the right approach and hope of being successful in his career. I’ve got no worries that it’s going to affect him.
“He’s someone who loves being a professional footballer, but not because of the add-ons which come with that. Playing in front of thousands of people is what he enjoys. He gets on the ball and he has an incredible ability and he brings a real happiness with his play.
“He’s not someone who gets excited by the lifestyle that can come with that. This is a very, very good example of what a footballer should be focusing on.
“Even at such a young age, he has been through some difficult moments through injury and he’s always coped with a real integrity and focus.
“So for me, he’s a very good example internally of how I want young players to develop.”
“Everyone wants to have a story about Ross and it would be very difficult if he was a bit weak mentally or he had distractions off the pitch,” he said.
“He is a pristine professional in terms of he loves playing football, he loves helping the team and we manage him well because he is very young and I want him fresh for the second half of the season and for key moments of the campaign.
“He is someone who has already experienced moments of success – going to the World Cup so young, playing for England at senior level and being so important for us. It is a big role and big boots to fill but he does it with a real enjoyment, really humble in his approach and real enjoyment with his football and that makes me really, really proud to have him in the team.”
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