Barkley compared to Maradona after Arsenal & Man City performances

Cameron Smith

11 Dec 2023 09:06 CST
3 min read

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend has compared his Luton Town team-mate Ross Barkley to Diego Maradona after his recent performances at Kenilworth Road.

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The ex-England international was in fine form as Rob Edwards’ side were narrowly beaten by Arsenal last week, while his performance in their 2-1 loss to Manchester City on Sunday was equally impressive.

Barkley, 30, netted his first Luton goal in the crushing 4-3 defeat versus Arsenal last Tuesday and his impact has been immense since his summer move from OGC Nice.

The Everton academy graduate lasted just one year at the Ligue 1 club following his Chelsea exit in 2022 and was offered a Premier League return by Luton in August.

The Hatters may sit 18th in the English top flight standings at current, but their performances in recent weeks have caught the eye.

They held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road before a narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester United and a crucial 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.

They’ve now gone toe-to-toe with two of the best teams in world football and Townsend has heaped praise on Barkley for his role in their spirited displays against Arsenal and Man City.

What has Townsend said?

Townsend appeared on TalkSPORT Breakfast and was asked about Barkley’s recent form.

“Honestly, they’ve been some of the best midfield performances I’ve seen in my career,” he admitted.

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“It’s just unbelievable – the calmness, the ability to get the ball off the back four and knock it past some of the world’s best midfielders without a care in the world.

“We saw yesterday against Man City, [Diego] Maradona was in the midfield to set up our goal – honestly, it’s been a joy to watch.

“In a way he’s given confidence to the rest of the players around him, including myself. Just that calmness to take the ball under pressure, it’s such an underrated skill.

“He’s been absolutely incredible and he’s been an absolute joy to play with, but a joy to watch as well.”