Everton manager Ronald Koeman has revealed he will sit down and have talks with Ross Barkley after hauling the midfielder off at half-time during their 3-0 win over Sunderland.
The Toffees entered the interval all square with Sunderland and the team remerged from half time without Barkley, who had been replaced by Gerard Deulofeu after a very disappointing opening 45 minutes from the Everton No.10.
Everton went onto win 3-0 thanks to an eleven minute hat-trick from Romelu Lukaku and Koeman confirmed after the match that he would hold talks with Barkley to discuss his performance.
Asked why he replaced Barkley, Koeman is quoted as saying by The Daily Mail: “Because he didn’t show the level I expect. I know it’s always difficult for the manager because he was not selected for the national team and you take the player off after 45 minutes.
“But I had to do something. He lost too many balls. But I will speak to Ross tomorrow and that’s no problem.”
Only three players have been dispossessed more times in the Premier League this season than Barkley (14).
For more stats on Ross Barkley, click here to visit his WhoScored player page