‘I handed failing ex-Chelsea star a Champion League lifeline and it’s paying off’

Ross Barkley's return to the top flight of English football is gaining momentum.

That is the view of Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, who threw the ex-Chelsea midfielder a lifeline in the Champions League this summer. Barkley, 30, left Stamford Bridge two years ago after a stop-start spell with the Blues.

He left for Nice and then Luton, with his career appearing to be on a downward trajectory. But Emery kept a close eye on the playmaker and he was one of the first deals completed this summer after Villa secured their place in the top four.

It has taken some time for Barkley to make his mark in a crowded central midfield position, but he is a regular if Villa's boss doesn't like what he sees. On several occasions he has been brought off the bench to influence matches, and he has done just that.

Emery said, “I knew Barkley before I came here. I had seen him play at a high level when I was in Spain – and in other countries.

“When I came here two years ago, he left England to play for Nice in France.

“I was surprised, but his career wasn't consistent. That probably would have been the case.

“Last year we played Luton here at home and we analyzed Luton and I thought, 'Wow', how he played.

“In my ideas, my mind, my style as a coach, he was a player who could play with us. Because of this we decided to sign him.

'And he's doing exactly the same job I expected him to do. He's playing well and I think he can get even better. He is humble, he works hard every day in every training session.

“He always plays with the focus we want and he may not start games, but he plays minutes and when he is in the starting line-up he does a very good job.”

Emery may opt to start Barkley against his former club. Amadou Onana missed the Champions League match against Juventus in midweek due to an injury.

Boubacar Kamara has also only just returned from a long-term problem and played the full 90 minutes against the Italians, which may open the door for Barkley to start against his old club.