Premier League 2018-19: 5 players who have exceeded expectations

#4 Ross Barkley (Chelsea)

Barkley has found another gear under Sarri

Ross Barkley was once touted as England’s brightest young footballer. However, a series of injuries and poor performances led to him losing his place in the Everton set-up. With him failing to nail down a place at Goodison Park, he moved to Chelsea in January 2018.

Barkley was used sparingly under former manager Antonio Conte and he might have regretted making the move to West London. Fast forward a few months – and he looks a man possessed under Maurizio Sarri. Using him in a role similar to Marek Hamsik, Sarri has gotten Barkley playing at his very best.

Barkley was looked upon as a back-up to Chelsea’s midfield at the start of the season. However, on the weight of his performances, he has muscled himself into the playing eleven, at the expense of Mateo Kovacic. This weekend, he was sublime against Burnley and capped his superlative display with a fantastic goal.

A majority of the English fanbase feared that Barkley would never go on to become a consistent player. Yet, this season has provided them with a timely reminder that he is is far from finished.

With returning quality performances on a weekly basis, the boy who was once heralded as the ‘future of English football’ might just have a bright future in store.