Thursday 30 July 2020 10:28, UK
Jamie Carragher says it is time for Ross Barkley to become Everton's main man and make the most of his "special talent".
Barkley failed to make an impact on Friday evening as the Toffees drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace at Goodison Park.
The 22-year-old midfielder has come under scrutiny this season, with manager Ronald Koeman saying he "needs to improve" after taking him off at half-time against Sunderland earlier this month.
Barkley was also dropped from the England squad for their first World Cup qualifier against Slovakia.
"Ross has been in the team for two or three years and it's getting to that stage where he's not a kid anymore," said Carragher on Friday Night Football.
"You have to be judged like a proper Premier League player, not a kid coming through.
"He hasn't got a problem physically or technically, it's between the ears, his understanding of the game, his decision making, when should he pass, when he should run with the ball, when should he shoot.
"Everyone feels he is a special talent but you can't keep looking at David Moyes, Roberto Martinez and now Ronald Koeman, it's got to be Ross Barkley - not that the manager is not getting enough out of him.
"He has to do more at this moment and we all believe he has the talent."
He hasn't got a problem physically or technically, it's between the ears, his understanding of the game, his decision making
Carragher also questioned whether Barkley, an Evertonian who has come up through the club's youth ranks, might be better off leaving Merseyside.
"I think Ross should be running the game and should be their main player," he said. "If it doesn't happen over the next 6-12 months maybe you say it's too much for him, being in the city, being the local player.
"Every time we watch Everton we talk about him."
While Barkley impressed at the start of the season, his form has dipped in recent weeks.
And Jamie Redknapp said: "I love watching him play, but he looks like he is in a bit of a bad place. When you are playing well everything seems so simple, but when you are not playing well it's like you have blinkers on and you don't know where anyone else is on the pitch and you make bad decisions.
"His game isn't on point, it can change quickly but he has to work hard because he is in a bit of a rut. He needs a break."
