Sports'If Bielsa can get him through that door' - Pundit hails Leeds' interest in 'fantastic' PL ace
Ross Barkley has the ability to be a superb signing for Leeds United if they complete a move for him, according to former Scotland defender Alan Hutton.
The Lowdown: Barkley linked with Leeds move
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to Elland Road, as he continues to struggle for regular playing time back at Chelsea following his loan move to Aston Villa last season.
Barkley has appeared for just 27 minutes in the Premier League so far in 2021/22, so it could be that a switch elsewhere makes sense in January or next summer.
The Latest: Hutton talks up Barkley move
Hutton thinks that Leeds could be an ideal destination for the Chelsea midfielder, telling Football Insider: “He’s a fantastic player.
“I actually felt sorry for him at Aston Villa because he started really well and the injury he got really hampered him and he struggled after that. If you can get the best out of Ross Barkley, I think any team would want him.
“We’ve seen flashes of him coming on for Chelsea – he’s looked good, passing nice and sharp and he’s looked fit.
“If Bielsa can get him through that door, he comes in and does well for Leeds. The way they play with the high press, get him high up the field and let him make things happen – it would be a brilliant addition to the team.”
The Verdict: A gamble worth taking?
Barkley isn’t getting into Chelsea’s team for a reason, so it is understandable to feel some trepidation about a possible move to Elland Road.
In terms of natural talent, he could be a star at Leeds, but too often his game lacks substance – he has only scored one league goal for Chelsea since the summer of 2019 – failing to produce consistently strong performances.
A manager of Marcelo Bielsa’s class could possibly get the best out of Barkley, though, and a January transfer or loan could help give the Whites an extra spark in midfield. Indeed, the Leeds boss has already got a tune out of one Stamford Bridge cast-off in Patrick Bamford, so he might yet be able to repeat the trick if Barkley rocks up in Yorkshire.
In other news, one Leeds player has provided a key injury update. Find out who it is here.
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