Just a week shy of his 21st birthday, Ross Barkley is one of the hottest young prospects in English football at the moment. It may be his obvious Evertonian ties, or it may be his fearless approach to a game of top-flight football, but there have been several comparisons drawn with the attacking midfielder and Wayne Rooney already. Having joined the club as an eleven-year old in 2005, Barkley has risen through the youth ranks and is now regarded as arguably the clubs most valuable commodity, with vultures of the oil-conglomerate persuasion said to be encircling him already. Last season was his breakthrough year, playing 38 times for the Toffees as he thrived under Roberto Martinez expansive, attack-minded philosophy. His performances were so impressive that it even earned him a place ticket for the World Cup in Brazil, where he made his World Cup debut as a 61st-minute substitute against Italy. Former Leeds United boss Neil Warnock probably regrets not giving the youngster more of a shot at Elland Road when he took him on a one-month loan deal in January 2013 and consigned him to the bench.
I spoke to David (Moyes) and Ross but I cant guarantee playing him - and I did say I would do that when I took him. Its only fair to them that he gets first-team football. Youve got to be straightforward with each other and I couldnt guarantee that. But David was great about it and so was Ross and hes going to be a cracking player in the next few years. - Neil Warnock, February 2013.
Well, Neil was certainly right about that, but Leeds United supporters will have been wishing they saw more than just four substitute appearances.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
