Despite having a tough last 18 months, Ross Barkley’s career looks back on track.
He suffered a terrible hamstring injury at Everton which meant he saw limited playing time after joining Chelsea in January 2018.
But after a successful preseason under new manager Maurizio Sarri, Barkley looks almost back to his best.
He’s been splitting playing time with Mateo Kovacic in the third spot in Sarri’s three-man midfield.
And he rewarded the managers faith in him with his first goal for Chelsea in their 3-0 win over Southampton.
Because of his performances, Barkley returned to the England squad for the first time since May 2016.
Gareth Southgate even named him as a starter for their vital Nations League clash with Croatia.
And although the game was played behind closed doors, Barkley seized his opportunity.
He showed some of the confidence that Sarri has instilled in him, looking comfortable on the ball.
And in contrast to Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson’s performances – his midfield partners – Barkley impressed fans.
So, here’s how Chelsea fans reacted to the former Everton player’s performance for the Three Lions:
https://twitter.com/MrChelseaBoss/status/1050880583369404416
https://twitter.com/PGCFC001/status/1050860940848259073