Ross Barkley has got to find consistency says former Chelsea star

Former Blue Clive Walker believes criticism of Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley is understandable with the ex-Everton man having inconsistent performances.

Chelsea reached their fourth FA Cup quarter-final in five seasons last night courtesy of a 2-0 win over Premier League leaders Liverpool. 

The former Everton midfielder featured on the scoresheet with a spectacular solo effort that doubled the London club’s advantage over Jürgen Klopp’s side in the second-half. 

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Barkley’s sensational strike sealed the victory for Frank Lampard’s side but former Chelsea man Walker can understand frustrations that fans have over the midfielder's performances for the Blues to date. 

Speaking to Richard Lee and Patrick Christys on Love Sport Breakfast, Walker said the midfielder needs to be more consistent to deter further criticism.

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"Exactly. That's what he's capable of, isn't it? And I guess the stick Ross Barkley gets is probably due to the fact that his performances can be that good. But they've also been that bad as well. 

“So I think there's got to be some sort of stability where he gets that consistency and can maintain a decent level alongside the other players."

He added that Chelsea need to prioritise strengthening at centre back and centre forward going into next season to build on Lampard’s debut campaign at the Bridge. 

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"So, the one position I would feel comfortable with is a left footed, left-sided centre-back. 

“That would give us some sort of balance because I think we tried Zouma, Rüdiger, Christensen, we tried them all! Tomori is still in there as well, in that left sided central defensive position. 

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“Now whether that's in a three or four, it doesn't really matter. I just think we need someone who is left footed. And if you can fill that gap, I think we should be okay. 

"We'll have to wait and see what happens with Giroud at the end of the season. And hopefully Tammy Abraham will be okay again, but you know, the centre forward position is always going to be a question mark in most teams in the Premier League."

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