Ross Barkley

[kippaxvilla2]

Barkley scored the match-winner at Southampton two weeks ago but, since then, he's failed nail down a positive performance with Smith taking him off for new signing Morgan Sanson twice and youngster Jacob Ramsey.

The 27-year-old has just one assist to his name this season and, speaking after Saturday's goalless draw at Brighton, Smith said: "It's been a really difficult time for Roscoe because he got injured against Brighton earlier in the season and missed eight weeks with his injury.

From the meaning evil.  We now have the answer we signed the sheriff from Dukes of Hazzard.

[brontebilly]

Not unless he goes on a great run of form. The problem is, he may not get the opportunity if he's dropped. If he's looking exhausted with the level of effort he's putting in now it's hard to see how he can improve on his work rate. A big few weeks for Barkley's future career coming up.

Agreed, I think it's getting to the stage where he only has a few weeks left to make a big impression. His position is one where we arguably have the most options. Traore, Jack, McGinn, Ramsey, Sanson can all play there and we own those players. Barkley has proven beyond doubt that he cant be trusted in a midfield three and the no.10 position has huge competition.

No chance he can start next day out for me. Going to have to earn his spot from the bench which might suit him for a few weeks.

[ChicagoLion]

Poor tonight amongst all of the midfield, he will be lucky to make the next Villa team never mind the England team at the Euros.

I bet he starts against Leicester

I am sticking with this prediction.

[London Villan]

He could have a lot more impact coming on for 25/30 mins. It could work well for us as a team and him personally.

[rob_bridge]

Sanson should start ahead of him next weekend.

I agree or even put Trez wide right and Jack central

[kippaxvilla2]

I think they have already replaced Barkley with Sanson long term.

[Risso]

Barkley will be so far down the list of attacking midfielders for England I bet even Steven Gerrard is ahead of him. He's about as much competition for Jack's place as I am.

[LeeB]

Barkley will be so far down the list of attacking midfielders for England I bet even Steven Gerrard is ahead of him. He's about as much competition for Jack's place as I am.

I fear your reluctance to play on the left will hold you back.

[thick_mike]

Barkley will be so far down the list of attacking midfielders for England I bet even Steven Gerrard is ahead of him. He's about as much competition for Jack's place as I am.

I fear your reluctance to play on the left will hold you back.

😆

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Poor tonight amongst all of the midfield, he will be lucky to make the next Villa team never mind the England team at the Euros.

I bet he starts against Leicester

I am sticking with this prediction.

I can only imagine that Deano is being very patient and wants him to "play himself into form".
I wouldn't be so generous.

[Gerrin]

Barkley will be so far down the list of attacking midfielders for England I bet even Steven Gerrard is ahead of him. He's about as much competition for Jack's place as I am.

I don't think he was ever going to make it into Southgate's reckoning. England has more than likely past him by now.

If we don't sign him, hard to see where his career goes next. I dare say at some point he'll have a second stint at Everton  before the end of his career.

[Drummond]

Newcastle. Everton have Ancelotti and he's unlikely to want him.

[Risso]

Newcastle. Everton have Ancelotti and he's unlikely to want him.

That's a good guess. He's basically an upgraded Jonjo Shelvey. Capable of smashing one in from 25 yards, but mostly doing next to bugger all.

[ChicagoLion]

2 and half years left on his contract, gets cancelled with a year left and he turns up at The Hawthornes.

[cdbearsfan]

He’s going through a rough spell and DS has indicated he’s not yet at 100% fitness. He was terrific when he first came but looks off the pace now as have the team lately.

 Let’s all take a breath. Maybe we shouldn’t be making any snap judgments based on a few poor weeks, 1 in which he scored the winner don’t forget.

I still think he’s a player I’d be more than happy to have, just depends on how much Chelsea want for him.

I'm more than happy not to write him off. As you say, he has already had plenty of good moments in a Villa shirt. On current form though, I feel he should be dropped to the bench. He's said himself he likes playing against tired legs, and it would be nice to have a sub that could, potentially, worry the opposition for once.

I wouldn't be in any hurry to sign him for silly money, but he could always convince me with a run of form before the end of the season.