Brilliant Barkley is a cross between Gazza and Ballack, says Martinez after young midfielder outshines world beater Ozil

Brilliant Barkley is a cross between Gazza and Ballack, says Martinez after young midfielder outshines world beater Ozil

Everton manager Roberto Martinez described Ross Barkley as a cross between Michael Ballack and Paul Gascoigne after the youngster’s brilliant display.
The 20-year-old showed his power, pace and awareness to outshine Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Mesut Ozil on Sunday with a performance of real maturity.
He was at the heart of Everton's dominant first-half especially, which left Martinez enthused.

Always improving: Ross Barkley has been one of Everton's most impressive players this season so far

On the up: Barkley's been compared by his boss to Paul Gascoigne, Michael Ballack and more

'I've never seen a young English player with his sort of mentality,' said Martinez.
'I can see some (Michael) Ballack in him and some Gazza (Paul Gascoigne). It's fine for us to make comparisons but he is Ross Barkley. He has great balance, is good with both feet and is developing an incredible awareness.'
'You can compare him against any of the best young Brazilians, Dutch or even Spanish.'

Rising star: Gerard Deulofeu (centre) scored Everton's equaliser 10 minutes from the end

Martinez's side is now fifth on the ladder, two points behind second-placed Liverpool, after Spanish teenager Gerard Deulofeu - on loan from Barcelona - smashed home the late leveller.
While calling Barkley a 'unique talent', Martinez did try to tone down a growing chorus for Roy Hodgson to make him part of England's World Cup campaign next year.
'I have great admiration for Ross, he has incredible potential,' says Martinez.
'We need to give him time and need to accept that it will take time but he has absolutely everything.

Well worked: Mesut Ozil scored Arsenal's goal after Theo Walcott got his head to a cross

'The manager of England has to decide what role there is for Ross, if any, but we need to make sure we give him 50 games to see his evolution.
'Any players with talent need to develop their understanding and the know-how to be effective. As a country we need to be more protective of our young players but if we look after him he can give the nation something unique.'
In Barkley and Deulofeu Everton boast two prodigious talents but also have older heads in Gareth Barry and Sylvain Distin creating a perfect blend for Martinez.

On the up: Everton skipper Phil Jagielka is pleased with the impact made by the young players

'You can't have 11 young talents or 11 sets of old legs,' he said.
'We were incredible today. We played well (in the win at Manchester United) but were even better today. We have got over our mental block away to title contenders.
'This was a massive step forward for us today.'