Everton boss Roberto Martinez has revealed that he wants Ross Barkley to build up experience in the Premier League before he allows his team to play through the 20-year-old.
The England international has been used in a variety of roles by the Toffees this season after returning from a knee injury he sustained before the start of the campaign.
Martinez feels that Barkley needs to prove himself in his off-the-ball work before he hands a role in the centre of his midfield over to him.
He told reporters: "Eventually, I want Ross to play that position, but eventually is maybe 100 games in the Premier League. That's the thought - but not yet.
"To play that role you need to reduce what you do on the ball and put in more work off it. Ross' outstanding quality is the way he brings that transition as soon as he wins the ball, how he attacks and drives at space.
"You don't want to take that away from his play too much. At the moment, it would be a big loss if you restricted Ross in what he gives you naturally as a raw talent."
Everton face West Ham United later today in their Premier League clash at Goodison Park.
Simon Sinclair
