Ross Barkley has explained exactly why his move from Everton has made him a better player.
The midfielder came through the ranks at Goodison Park and first made his breakthrough into the senior side at the start of the 2011/12 campaign.
However, it was from the 2013/14 campaign onwards that the youngster really made a name for himself - eventually making 179 appearances and bagging 27 goals in his time with his boyhood club.
However, Barkley left Goodison Park in controversial circumstances.
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Having been close to moving to Chelsea for big money in the summer of 2017, the move was delayed until the following January - for a much cheaper price.
The 25-year-old recently gained a lot of plaudits for his performances for England over the international break, and he believes leaving Everton has been pivotal in helping him improve.
"Yes, exactly," Barkley remarked when asked if the change was necessary for him.
"I am away from my family and down in London by myself. I am in a totally different environment from Liverpool. I miss being with my family, it is totally different. It is how I am maturing as a person and a player. It is good.
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"Since I made the move it was good to challenge myself and win trophies and to improve as a player. I’ve changed compared to when I was 18, 19 or 20. My diet is much better. My approach to games is much better and I am going into them with the right preparation and I am more relaxed, rather than think about things too much.
"I will keep working hard and it will come."
