Do these three Everton stars need to step up for them to make it into Europe?

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Ross Barkley

Now, now, Everton fans: do not castigate me before hearing the justification. Ross Barkley is surely Everton’s biggest young talent, with the eyes of the world on him and big expectations on his shoulders. His break-out season was arguably 2013-14 and ever since, fans all over the world have expected him to improve and be the driving force that pushes Everton to the upper echelons of English football. Ultimately, Barkley should be part of a core group—including the likes of Lukaku and Deulofeu—that pushes Everton into the Champions League.

Sadly for the fans inside Goodison Park, this hasn’t been the case. Sure, we can all see that Barkley is a class apart—and hopefully the 22-year-old will be a big part of England’s hopes at the Euros in France this summer—but it’s now time for the young Englishman to step up. It may be a lot to ask however. After all, he is still only 22 years of age and at the start of what promises to be an excellent career, but anyone who has watched this man play will know that he could potentially be world-class in a few short years.

Alongside the core group of other young talents that Everton possess, Barkley needs to step up his game and deliver on the ambitious of the fans and players. With new investment and the promise of transfer funds, Everton will be able to dip into the market and buy some new talent, but their biggest chance of success still lies with the young players at Martinez’s disposal, Barkley especially.

Should Everton want to keep hold of their talent for future seasons, there needs to be a step up for a number of Martinez’s players. It has been an off-season for the Toffees, no doubt about it, and now the Europa League might just be a step too far. However, Everton should refresh and go again next season. With their youth, experience and ambition, Martinez has found an Everton recipe for success. It’s now time to get to work on making those dreams a reality.

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