5 Most improved Chelsea players under Maurizio Sarri

#1. Ross Barkley

Barkley is getting better with each passing day

The former Everton player arrived at Chelsea in January 2018 and found game time hard to come by. With Conte’s insistence on playing two conservative midfielders, Barkley’s creative talents were being wasted on the bench. However, the arrival of Sarri has re-invigorated the Englishman.

The Italian has used him in a role similar to that of Hamsik at Napoli. Blessed with the ability to beat a defender with a drop of the shoulder, Barkley has adapted to the role superbly.

Playing on the left side of a midfield three, Barkley has used his creative ability to perfection and has contributed 3 goals and 3 assists in 495 minutes of Premier League action.

Though he might still have to sharpen his game defensively, Barkley’s attacking displays have made sure that a permanent starting berth is not far away.

After being dubbed as a potential torchbearer for the new generation of English footballers, Barkley’s career hit a roadblock, courtesy injuries and fall-outs at Everton. Moreover, the spell under Conte led many to fear that Barkley could also fall into the ‘what could have been’ category.

Yet, the arrival of Sarri and the player’s upturn in form have led to those fears being allayed.