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Football London
Football London
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Paul Clarke

Joe Cole makes surprising claim about Ross Barkley's form at Chelsea this season

Ross Barkley has found the transition from Everton to life at Chelsea a little difficult, featuring only eleven times from the start in the Premier League since his transfer last January.

It's somewhat of a surprise in many senses after what was a fantastic career at Goodison Park after coming up through the ranks at the club.

Barkley does not have many fans back in Merseyside following his move and is also yet to become a favourite in his new home in the capital.

Pundits pick out Ross Barkley's special moment in England's 5-1 win - and it's not his goal

Maurizio Sarri is yet to fully trust Barkley, who has featured more times off the bench than starting in the league this term.

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole, however, believes that the 25-year-old has done a good job at the Blues so far in first full campaign.

“I think Ross has settled in really well at Chelsea,” Cole told ITV Sport. “I think Ross is maturing as a player. As a player, he has so much potential.”

Barkley started for England and scored twice at Montenegro on Monday evening in a show of faith from Gareth Southgate, with the national team boss explaining where the playmaker has improved of late.

“In the last twelve months we have seen Ross really build as a player,” Southgate explained. “He is maturing and has become stronger from a passing point of view between our penalty box and the opposition’s.”

Not only did Barkley grab a brace against Montenegro, he also assisted the first goal as England won 5-1.

Ross Barkley celebrates with Callum Hudson-Odoi (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

'Absolutely superb' - Chelsea fans are all saying the same thing about Hudson-Odoi and Barkley  

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