Everton right-back Tony Hibbert has praised the ability of young starlet Ross Barkley, asserting that the 17-year-old Everton midfielder is the ‘next big thing’ in England.
Hibbert did not shy away from comparing Barkley to former Everton striker Wayne Rooney, who played Toffees from 2002-04.
“Wayne was a jack the lad. You could go out on the street with him and get him on the park and he’d be the same – he’d be diving everywhere, going in goal, it’d be madness,” Hibbert explained.
“Ross is a bit more level-headed. He’s also bigger. Potential-wise I think he is up there with Wayne.
“I don’t know if he’s a central midfielder or if he is like a No.10 off the forward or on the wing. He has got the feet, the dribbles.
“With Ross I think you could develop a team around him really, he’s that good.
“Really we need to keep hold of Ross. Obviously how the club is with the money situation [may be a factor] but I think he is the next big thing.”
Will Manchester United make a move for the Everton starlet in January?
The Red Devils are not the only Premier League side keeping tabs on Barkley. Chelsea FC have also been linked with a move for the Everton player.
Despite genuine interest from West London, Manchester United are rumoured to be the front-runners to land Barkley. That is, if and only if Everton agree to sell him.
But with the Daily Mail reporting that Barkley is worth £30 million, David Moyes may be forced into selling his talented midfield prospect.
Despite Barkley being from Liverpool, Manchester United supporters will surely welcome him with open arms if a deal is eventually struck.
After all, isn’t Wayne Rooney also from Liverpool?
Would Cristiano Ronaldo be a superstar if he played in the German Bundesliga?
According to Deutsche Fussball Liga (DFL) CEO Christian Seifert, the answer is no.
“I am firmly convinced that Cristiano Ronaldo would not be a superstar in Germany,” said Seifert.
His words, not mine. Perhaps Seifert has been living in a village without Fox Soccer since 2009.
Since completing his ‘dream move’ to Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo has been on what can only be described as scintillating form.
If a goal-scoring record of 98 goals in 103 appearances (in all competitions) didn’t convince Seifert, surely nothing can.
After taking an ill-advised shot at the Portuguese international, Seifert hailed Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.
“He is 27 years old, has almost 100 international caps and has convinced at every major tournament since the 2006 World Cup,” Seifert explained.
“He is also a midfielder. And they have a greater importance than a goalkeeper or a defender.”
Well, there is no disagreeing with Seifert on that assessment.
Schweinsteiger is undoubtedly one of the best footballers on the planet and he deserves a lot more credit than he is given.
Tune in tomorrow for more soccer news. Until then, enjoy today’s many soccer fixtures.
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