Everton’s Ross Barkley linked with Tottenham move – but is he even needed?

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Tottenham are leading the race to sign Everton’s in-demand midfielder Ross Barkley during the summer, according to the Daily Mail. Mauricio Pochettino is a long-time admirer of the England international and could be ready to make a move after the midfielder’s recent upturn in form.

Everton want to extend his contract as his current deal runs out at the end of next season. However, he has spoken about his desire of testing himself in the Champions League and that is unlikely to come anytime soon at Goodison Park. Despite their hopes of renewing his contract, Ronald Koeman has confirmed that they will have to sell the 23-year-old in the summer if an extension isn’t agreed, which opens the possibility of a switch to Spurs.

Despite their hopes of renewing his contract, Ronald Koeman has confirmed that they will have to sell the 23-year-old in the summer if an extension isn’t agreed, which opens the possibility of a switch to Spurs.

What would Barkley bring to White Hart Lane?

There has been a recent increase in Barkley’s productivity on the pitch and he is now performing to a higher level more consistently than he has in seasons past. He has scored four goals and contributed seven assists in the Premier League this season, with his partnership with Romelu Lukaku improving with every game.

The England international is averaging 2.31 key passes, 2.61 chances created and 2.74 total shots per ninety minutes. He has always been a dynamic midfielder capable of beating players, but he has now improved his final ball and this is why he is attracting interest from bigger clubs.

Tottenham will be looking for a hard working midfielder capable of adjusting to Pochettino’s demanding pressing style. Although this was one part of his game that has been criticised, it has improved under Ronald Koeman and he is now averaging 1.41 ball recoveries every ninety minutes.

The Spurs manager has improved nearly every player that has arrived at White Hart Lane during his tenure and he would likely help Barkley develop this side to his game even more. The 23-year-old would provide Tottenham with another midfield option and one capable of playing in a couple of positions within their 3-4-2-1 formation.

It is easy to see why he is on their radar given his recent improvement, but there remain doubts about whether he could break into the first team in North London.

Would this move suit all parties?

Given Everton are hoping to keep hold of their homegrown midfielder, they won’t want him to make the move to White Hart Lane. For the player, Spurs are probably the club that appeals most to him. They are continuing to develop under Pochettino and are beginning to establish themselves in the top four.

There is a young English core at the club and he would receive excellent coaching to take his game to the next level. However, there are doubts about whether he would be a worthy investment for Tottenham. They already have Dele Alli and it could be difficult to fit them into the same team.

Although there are some that believe he could be shaped into a central midfielder to compete with Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele, this would require a lot of work on the training pitch. The fee would be hefty and it could be invested more wisely.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Matthew McNulty