Ronald Koeman has admitted that he is ‘not sure’ if Ross Barkley can fulfil his potential at Everton.
Barkley continues to lurch worringly through inconsistency for the Blues this season after struggling to respond to varying approaches from Koeman.
The Everton manager has regularly shown his frutration with the England international, notably during Monday’s Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool.
And Koeman fears that Barkley, who was recently linked with a move to Tottenham, may never showcase his true capabilities at Goodison Park.
He said: “First of all I don’t like to say because every word I say about Ross is used by the media in a negative or positive way.
“Of course I think the player needs to improve. He needs to improve the tactical aspect of his football, out of his position.
“He needs to be more clinical and have more creativity in the offensive part of the team.
“But he is working hard on that and trying to get the best out of himself.
“Maybe that type of aggression meant he lost a bit of control in that action but he is working hard.
“But he needs to improve to be the player that maybe everyone expected when he was 18 or 19.”
“I am not sure (if he will reach his potential),” added Koeman.
“I had the same stories in Holland with players who, when they were 16 or 17, they were too good in the academy.
“They didn’t really have competition but because they were stronger or they were a better player than the rest.
“But then they step up a level and everyone is strong, everybody is a good player, and still you need to make a difference. That is more difficult.”