According to former Aston Villa forward Paul Merson, Chelsea coach Frank Lampard committed a huge mistake to let go midfielder Ross Barkley to join Aston Villa.
Barkley’s loan move to Aston Villa was confirmed on Wednesday as Lampard made sure that he will not be prioritized this season amidst all the new faces in the squad.
Yet Merson believes that the Chelsea coach is risking by letting Barkley leave. He believes that the 26-year-old can become a star at Aston Villa while proving his talent to get a spot in the Euros national team of England.
“Frank Lampard has made a mistake sending Ross Barkley out on loan because he will be a superstar for Aston Villa,” Merson wrote in the Daily Star.
“What a signing that is. I can’t quite believe it, if I’m honest. How Barkley doesn’t get in the Chelsea team beats me! He is a huge talent.”
“To let him go like this, especially to another Premier League team, is a dangerous game by Frank.
He is of the opinion that if the midfielder hits the ground running and starts giving 10/10 performances for Villa then Lampard will face serious questions regarding Barkley’s departure.
Having said that, the Blues has already been eliminated by Tottenham Hotspurs from the Carabao Cup competition and their start in the Premier League season isn’t much convincing. Their backline is still out of shape and the coach hasn’t yet found the best possible line-up for the team.
Barkley’s exceptional performance for Aston Villa will surely be an extra headache for the coach that might make him question his own decision. Aston Villa’s coach, Dean Smith was particularly very contented to get the services of such a talented player for his side, that had just escaped relegation last term narrowly.
Barkley will play his debut match today against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and it will be a serious test for him.
