Former Arsenal forward, Paul Merson is backing former Chelsea flop, Ross Barkley to be in contention for the 2023/24 Premier League player of the season.
Manchester City star, Erling Haaland, who scored an incredible 36 league goals was named the Premier League’s best player for the 2022–2023 season.
Although there are many contenders for the title of Premier League player of the season for the 2023–24 campaign, Haaland is still the favorite to take home the prize alongside teammates Rodri and Phil Foden, who have both recently shown great play.
Along with Haaland, Mohamed Salah is currently tied for the lead as the Premier League’s top goal scorer with 14 goals each.
In spite of this, Merson has identified one player who he believes should also be considered at the end of the campaign; Luton Town midfielder, Ross Barkley.
The 30-year-old, who had stints with Everton, Leeds Aston Villa, and Chelsea in the past, left England in 2022 in search of better opportunities after the Blues declined to extend his contract.
It happened after Barkley, who was released, had only made 14 appearances for Chelsea before failing to establish himself in the team. He subsequently spent the 2022–2023 campaign with OGC Nice in France.
However, Barkley has recovered this season and has been a standout for Luton in midfield. Particularly on Saturday when they drew 4–4 with Newcastle United, where he scored and assisted.
What Did Merson Say About Barkley’s Performance So Far?
“Ross Barkley is not far off player of the season,” Merson wrote in his column for Sky Sports as cited by Daily Mail. “He’s turned it around.
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“When he went to Chelsea from Everton, I thought it was a good signing. But he didn’t play in the same way, he played too safe and that wasn’t him. He was bought because he can pass and dribble.
“He’s gone back to expressing himself. He’s been outstanding.”
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