Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has backed Ross Barkley to be a star for club and country, as quoted by Sky Sports.
The former Everton man has enjoyed a rejuvenation under the guidance of the Italian coach this season, forcing his way back into Gareth Southgate’s England squad and scoring his first goal for the Blues in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Southampton.
Barkley initially struggled for opportunities at Chelsea after signing for the club in January, with opportunities in the final months of Antonio Conte’s reign at Stamford Bridge limited.
However, he has since proven himself under Sarri, providing an assist for Eden Hazard as well as finding the net against Southampton, and the former Napoli boss told Sky Sports he believes the 24-year-old can be a star.
“I am really happy with him. He has improved week by week, day by day and match by match. He had a very serious injury in the last two seasons, he is improving day by day and I think the best will come.
“I said from the first day that he has great physical and technical quality. But you have to improve from the tactical point of view and now he has improved I think. Potentially, he is a great player. He has quality – very important quality from the physical point of view. From the technical point of view, he is improving tactically.
“He will become a very important player, and for the England national team.”