Chelsea
boss Maurizio Sarri has backed Ross Barkley to become a key player for club
and country after he scored his first goal for the Blues in the 3-0 win at
Southampton.
Barkley starred in Sunday's victory at St Mary's, setting up Eden Hazard for
the opening goal before scoring himself in the second half to become the
first Englishman to score and register an assist in the same game for the
Blues since Frank Lampard in 2013.
The 24-year-old's impressive form for Chelsea has seen him secure a place in
the England squad for the upcoming Nations League double-header against
Croatia and Spain, live on Sky Sports.
Sarri has been impressed with how Barkley has battled back from persistent
hamstring injuries that ruled him out of contention shortly after his
arrival at Stamford Bridge in January and predicts a bright future for him.
"I am really happy with him. He has improved week by week, day by day and
match by match," said Sarri.
"He had a very serious injury in the last two seasons, he is improving day
by day and I think the best will come.
"I said from the first day that he has great physical and technical quality.
But you have to improve from the tactical point of view and now he has
improved I think.
"Potentially, he is a great player. He has quality - very important quality
from the physical point of view. From the technical point of view, he is
improving tactically.
"He will become a very important player, and for the England national team."
top