Chelsea have plenty of players out on loan this season away from Stamford Bridge, but Ross Barkley is arguably the one above any catching the eye.
On-loan Blues star Barkley joined Premier League club Aston Villa for the season in search of regular minutes and he’s quickly become an important player for them.
The attacking midfielder has already scored two goals in five appearances for the Midlands giants, which included a winner in a Premier League victory against Leicester City in October.
He’s instantly become a nailed-on starter for Dean Smith’s XI, establishing a great partnership alongside Villa teammates such as Jack Grealish, John McGinn and Ollie Watkins.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has so much talent in the centre of the park within his squad, which is why he sanctioned the temporary exit of Barkley on a season-long loan.
Despite his strong form in the past month, it’s difficult to picture him breaking back into Lampard’s plans as a regular starter next year ahead of the likes of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.
It would be wrong to fully dismiss Barkley’s career at Chelsea and the manager may see it differently, but it looks like a perfect fit at Villa and the 26-year-old clearly wants to play regular football.
Chelsea paid £15million (BBC) to sign the English playmaker and surely if his form is anything to go by the club can make a huge profit on him next summer.
There will surely be a queue of clubs trying to sign Barkley if he continues to shine at Villa and the Blues should be able to demand a competitive asking price.
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