Maurizio Sarri has backed Ross Barkley to play an important role at Chelsea this season after being impressed by the midfield’s ability during the Community Shield encounter against Manchester City on Sunday.
Barkley struggled for playing time last season under Antonio Conte following his move from Everton in January, making just two Premier League appearances.
Former Napoli coach Sarri’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, however, has given the midfielder a fresh chance to impress – and he was handed a starting role in Sunday’s Community Shield defeat by Manchester City alongside new signing Jorginho and Cesc Fabregas.
And after the match, Sarri insisted the midfielder will be part of his plans for the new season despite some concerns over his work off the ball.
‘I like him, he said. ‘He is a technical player. ‘He has to improve on the defensive phase, it’s difficult to play with Jorginho, Cesc and Ross all together. But I like him. He will be a very useful player for us.’
Barkley completed the full 90 minutes at Wembley, but could not stop his side succumbing to a 2-0 defeat thanks to Sergio Aguero’s double.
He will now compete with the likes of Jorginho, Fabregas and N’Golo Kante for a place in Sarri’s usual 4-3-3 system.
Chelsea and Barkley face Lyon on Tuesday before starting the Premier League season away to Huddersfield on Saturday.
Foden looked better equipped to take the final step into senior football. His piercing run through the heart of Chelsea’s defence before assisting Sergio Aguero to put Manchester City ahead was unerring.
The way he lured David Luiz into making a play for the ball before releasing to his Argentine colleague the key to City’s opener.
He put another chance on a plate for Aguero at the start of the second half only for the South American to squander. But it wasn’t just those killer passes. It was more. So much more.
For instance, there was a moment in the second half when goalkeeper Claudio Bravo pinged a pass out to Foden. Deep inside his own half, the manner in which Foden handled the situation was, arguably, far more impressive than his contribution to City’s opener.
An exemplary first touch, a quick look up before effortlessly side-stepping Ross Barkley to find a team-mate. Not a hint of panic.
In a snapshot, Foden embodied exactly what Southgate – and Pep Guardiola – are looking for: the ability to retain possession under any circumstance.
‘We cry out for this every year, young, English players to be given a chance at top teams. Phil Foden, there is a great season, hopefully, for him ahead,’ former England captain Rio Ferdinand said on Sunday.
‘England, what they lacked was that creativity, a bit of imagination, he has that in abundance, and we want to see him bring that to the Premier League.’ There are, of course, bigger tests to follow for Foden. But as the curtain-raised on another season, it was one of English football’s most promising talents that left us purring with excitement.
Indeed, their is a lingering fear for Foden – and Southgate – over the amount of football Guardiola is willing to afford his teenager over next nine months. Foden is far too good for academy and reserve level football. He may only be 18 – but he’s outgrown junior football.
He looks slight and scrawny but make no mistake – Foden is ready for the big time. It’s a situation Guardiola must handle with care, but you’d back the Spaniard to call it correctly.
‘He was ready last season, now he is one year more mature. He trained for all last year with us, and it is so good to have another player with his talents,’ Guardiola said after Sunday’s win.
‘He is a Manchester City fan, a Mancunian, and that is why he is so good.’ Foden left the field to a standing ovation. More performances like this and he’d better get used to it.