Roberto Martinez: Barkley plays like a Brazilian

By Alex Smith

Nov 19, 2013 12:28:00 AM

The England international has featured in all of the Toffees' opening 11 Premier League games, starting all but two of them, and his manager says that he is "technically gifted"

Everton manager Roberto Martinez argues that 19-year-old midfielder Ross Barkley has a case to be the most talented player in Great Britain, with flair not unlike a Brazil or Netherlands star.

The former Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday loanee is included in the England squad after an electric start to the season and is set to play a part in Tuesday's friendly with Germany.

Since taking over from David Moyes in the summer, the Spaniard has been impressed with Barkley, starting the attacking midfielder in all but two of the Toffees' opening 11 Premier League fixtures.

"Ross is a really talented footballer. As a British player he is as talented as anyone you see," Martinez told talkSPORT.

"The balance he has with both feet is brilliant and technically he's really gifted. You would see that technical ability with any Brazilian or Dutch player.

"He's a young man, though, and we need to allow him to fight through the normal process, which is gaining his first-team place and making sure he enjoys his football. At the moment he is doing that.

"I've been impressed with Ross's personality and character - he's such a humble boy, all he wants to do is listen and play. It's such a simple case with him.

"Nothing will faze him on a football pitch and, if you have a talent like his, it's an incredible combination." ------------------ goal.com