Ross Barkley: Back for More in the Premier League?
Phil Spencer and Alex Crook of TalkSPORT have reported that Ross Barkley is set to return to the Premier League after agreeing a deal to join Aston Villa. This move comes after a rollercoaster few years for the midfielder, and it will be interesting to see if he can recapture his best form at Villa Park.
Luton Success Not Enough to Save Top-Flight Status
Barkley joined Luton Town last summer with a point to prove. Having fallen out of favour at Chelsea, he saw the newly promoted side as a platform to reignite his career. He made a steady start, racking up 37 appearances and chipping in with five goals and six assists.
These included strikes against some of the Premier League’s big hitters – Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester City. These glimpses of brilliance showcased the talent that Barkley undoubtedly possesses. However, despite his individual efforts, Luton were ultimately relegated back to the Championship.
Despite the disappointment of relegation, Barkley remains confident. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, he declared: “I feel like for the next three years maybe I’ll still be in my prime years”. This unwavering belief, coupled with the fact he hasn’t been overworked in recent seasons, suggests he has the hunger and fitness to succeed.
A Familiar Face Returns to Villa Park
Aston Villa, meanwhile, are preparing for a historic adventure in the Champions League. For Barkley, there’s an added layer of familiarity, having spent a season on loan at Villa Park during the 2020/21 campaign while still a Chelsea player. He made a decent contribution then, scoring three goals in 24 appearances.
Can Barkley Thrive Under Emery?
With Unai Emery now at the helm, Villa boasts a manager with a proven track record in European competition. If Barkley can rediscover his best form and adapt to Emery’s philosophy, he could be a valuable addition to the squad. There’s no doubt that Barkley has the talent to succeed at the highest level, The question that remains is whether he can find the consistency needed to flourish in a team competing on multiple fronts.
