Why it’s time for Ross Barkley to step up and rediscover his form at Chelsea

When the season started, many had forgotten that former Evertonian Ross Barkley was on Chelsea’s books, until the Englishman started showing why he was so valued at Everton. Three months into the season and Barkley was playing the football of his life, thanks in part to Maurizio Sari’s faith and tactics and the 25-year-old’s natural talent.

His ability to breeze past players, combined with his strength, ability on the ball and passing vision but it was mostly down to his perseverance. Barkley had struggled with injury for most of his career, missing out just when he hit a rich vein of form for either Everton or Chelsea, with former manager Antonio Conte barely using him.

While he has flourished under Maurizio Sarri, recent appearances have said otherwise about the former Everton man, which includes a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the EFL semi-final. The 25-year-old was picked ahead of starter Matteo Kovacic but struggled to make an impact, getting muscled off the ball by Moussa Sissoko or even Moussa Dembele.

Things got worse as the game progressed, with Barkley only completing one key pass, something that he excels at, and now it looks like time may be running out.

The 25-year-old needs to find that same rich vein of form, or rather whatever possessed him to play how he did during the early stages of the season, otherwise, there is a good chance that Chelsea decides against keeping him. The former Napoli boss is looking for reinforcements, and midfield reinforcements are at the top of his list after losing Cesc Fabregas.

The former Everton youth star was an absolute bargain but he could find himself staring down the barrel one more time if he doesn’t buck up. Things will get worse, especially given the fact that Chelsea have already shown that they are more than willing to spend to keep Maurizio Sarri happy.

However, Barkley is talented and a born athlete, which means that he can be good for Chelsea. That said, he could also continue to struggle before eventually leaving as someone who once showed a lot of promise. The choice is up to him, and time is running out, which means he needs to make a decision fast.