Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 9y

Steven Naismith: Everton's Ross Barkley needs time to grow

Steven Naismith has warned not to expect too much too soon from Ross Barkley and insisted Everton's young talent might not be consistent for several years.

Barkley played for England in the World Cup and the midfielder, now 21, scored a spectacular goal in Monday's 3-1 win over QPR.

But Scotland international Naismith, who was also among the scorers, believes Barkley cannot be expected to reach his peak until he has much more experience.

He said: "It's the normal kind of British mentality where he is expected to be a world beater as soon as he comes in. Young players are going to be hot and cold for many years. It's not until they hit their mid-20s they will be very consistent.

"It's always going to be difficult for him. He is a terrific talent and he's got a lot going for him, but he's got a lot to learn and after the World Cup there was a lot of expectation.

"Ross has suffered from a bit of that. He's got all the talent in the world but he's got a lot to learn and you just have to give him time to learn.

"He will make mistakes and he will maybe come on in games and be effective or he will come on and lose the ball. He needs to learn the times when he does go forward and do his bit and the times to keep it simple. But that will come with experience."

Barkley's start to the season was delayed by injury and his goal against QPR was his first of the campaign, and Naismith added: "Getting an injury early doors wasn't great for him but he's got real quality and his attitude is spot-on for any manager.

"He will work as hard as he can, he will do extra training and that's all you can ask. I think in the coming years if we are patient with him he will be a terrific player for Everton and England."

Barkley was used in a deeper role against QPR because Everton were without four central midfielders, and Naismith believes he can learn about a different position from the veteran Gareth Barry.

The Scot said: "When he plays as a No. 10 or a bit further forward he has less defensive responsibilities, whereas [against QPR] he had to switch on and be more defensive-minded. I thought Ross and Mo Besic, who are both quite inexperienced did fantastically well.

"You have to keep reminding him but again you look at our club and we have got great players who can mentor him for playing a bit more defensive or going forward, like Gaz Barry and the other experienced boys at the club."

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