Koeman expects more productivity from Barkley

Everton’s homegrown talent Ross Barkley has found it difficult to maintain a starting position in the lineup under manager Ronald Koeman. The Dutchman has been quick to rebuke the Wavertree-born player when he has been dissatisfied by his performances, and dropped him for the game against Manchester United last weekend.

Ahead of his press conference before the early game on Saturday against Watford, Koeman said -

"If you like to play then you need to show that to the manager during the whole week. He's trying to do his best.

"We know he's one of the players who needs to bring more productivity. That's what we talk about when it comes to his situation and his chances to start.

"He is part of the team and as played a lot. He didn't play last weekend but that's the competition we have in our squad."

He refused to speak about why exactly he dropped Barkley, but added -

"Sometimes it can be a tactical reason or it's like this that I expect more productivity from Ross Barkley.

"I expect more from other players as well. He needs to accept it.

"It's not always about the player's mentality.

"It's about tactical, the player's movement and productivity. That all can be reasons why he didn't start last week."