UEFA Nations League: Spain 2-3 England - 5 takeaways from the game

#2 Ross Barkley is a player reborn under Sarri

Barkley in action for England

Ross Barkley was one of the highest rated England prodigies when he broke into the Everton first team in 2013. Compared to Michael Ballack and Paul Gascoigne, the 24-year-old possessed a technicality on the ball which was rare for English players.

He had a stall in his career towards the end of 2016, after falling out with manager Ronald Koeman over contract extension disputes, and did not feature at all in the 2017/2018 season due to a hamstring injury, so it came as a major surprise when Chelsea paid £15m for his services in January 2018.

Not much was expected of Barkley, owing to his long spell on the sidelines, but new manager Maurizio Sarri was determined to give him a trial, and the attacking midfielder has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, making seven appearances in the league, scoring one goal and earning widespread praise for his performances in the Chelsea team.

His strong start to the season expectedly saw him earn a recall to the England squad after a long absence, and he was once more impressive in his display against Spain.

The highlight of his night was a lofted pass (which was Iniesta like in its execution) to Harry Kane from just outside the box from which the Tottenham man was able to square for Sterling to tap in England’s third.

Barkley arrived at Chelsea amidst much scorn and ridicule, but three months into Sarri’s reign, he has started turning doubters into believers.