Season › 2013-14 › News Ross Barkley is ''Something Special'' Michael Kenrick , 29 July, 0comments | Jump to most recent ''He's an incredible football diamond'' Roberto Martinez has saluted Ross Barkley as “something special” and believes the Everton youngster can begin realising his potential. Barkley was impressive during a 45-minute appearance on his first outing under his new manager in Saturday's 3-1 friendly victory at Championship side Blackburn Rovers. The 19-year-old has long been touted as a future first-team regular at Goodison since breaking into the senior side two years ago. And Martinez paid a glowing tribute to the England under-21 international. “Ross is something special,” said the Spaniard. “In football when you describe a player, there are not many better descriptions than to say he's an incredible football diamond. “He's still a young man, and he needs to learn the players around him. But I'm excited to have that process with him. He has got an incredible talent. You look at young players like Gerard Deulofeu and Ross Barkley — they are at that level. “I am really pleased with his attitude, the way he listens and wants to learn. And when he is in full flow, he can be something special. Ross is such a talented boy, and has an incredible appreciation of space, that he can play in many positions. Of course you want him as high up the pitch as you can because he can be lethal with his finishing ability. But it is about finding the right partnerships around him. At the moment he is a young man who is still learning when to use his talent and when he needs to do things for the team. “The early signs have been really good and encouraging.” Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Daily Post About these ads © ToffeeWeb