In a recent interview with Football Insider, former West Ham United forward Frank McAvennie has urged Aston Villa to pay £35m to sign Ross Barkley from Chelsea permanently in the summer. McAvennie said,
“He has done very well, even though he has gone a bit cold of late.
“It looks to me as if he is enjoying it at Villa though. He looks as if he is having a good laugh in the midfield with Grealish and McGinn. When you enjoy what you are doing it is great. You get a better shift off the boys when they are happy.
“I would say £35million for Barkley is a bargain. It is not a bad price.
“Can you get somebody as good as him for the same price or less? I do not think there are many out there.”
Barkley’s Up And Down Season In English Football
Barkley has encountered a campaign of mixed emotions at Villa Park this season since joining on loan from Chelsea last summer. He has played in 16 matches for the Villans this term, netting three goals and securing one assist in multiple competitions. However, the Liverpool-born sensation missed several matches this season due to a hamstring injury.
The 27-year-old has given a good account of himself on the offensive end of the pitch after averaging 1.9 shots, 1.8 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been excellent when interchanging possession with others around him based on his pass completion rate of 84% in the top tier of England (stats via whoscored).
What Are The England International’s Best Attributes?
Barkley is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make some driving runs towards the opponent’s penalty box. He has got good ball-control and showcases a wide range of passes in his locker. Furthermore, the 33-time England international packs a lot of power with his shot attempts that makes him a potent goal-threat from long range. However, he tends to fade in and out of matches which explains why he has been inconsistent at times this season.
McAvennie Urges The Villans To Pay £35m For Barkley: Should Smith Comply?
If Aston Villa can afford to pay £35m to secure Barkley’s services permanently, they should consider doing so as the English midfield ace has enhanced the quality of Dean Smith’s first-team considerably during this campaign. At 27, Barkley is playing at his peak and has still got plenty of football left in him, which makes him a decent signing for the West Midlands outfit, even if they have to cough up £35m to make his loan deal permanent next summer.
