Jamie Carragher was blown away by what he saw from one Luton Town player during the Hatters’ draw with Everton last night.
Sean Dyche will be pleased with his team’s efforts in what was a full-blooded contest at Kenilworth Road. Luton have been extremely competitive on their own patch throughout the season and showed why they’re still in with a shout of avoiding relegation.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring midway through the first period from the penalty spot. However, Elijah Adebayo equalised shortly after a strong piece of centre-forward play.
With Luton in desperate need of three points, Everton were more than content defending deep in the second period; Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski were, once again, superb.
Jamie Carragher makes Ross Barkley claim during Everton’s 1-1 draw with Luton Town
One player who certainly caught the eye for the hosts was former Toffee Ross Barkley. The 30-year-old has enjoyed a renaissance during the 2023/24 campaign; there have even been suggestions of a return to the England fold.
If Luton return to the Championship, Barkley’s future will no doubt come into question, and Carragher has suggested a move back to Goodison Park wouldn’t be the worst decision.
He told Sky Sports [21:45, 3 May]: “We spoke about Ross Barkley before the game and the influence he’s had on this club. It’s been a great move for everybody, and if they stay up, it will probably be the right place for him. Tonight, looking at a couple of the Everton midfield players and the financial situation at the club…”
Commentator: “Are you suggesting [a return]?”
Carragher replied: “I am not sure it will go down with the Everton fans, but time is a great healer. He’s come through at the club and is a huge fan.”
Ross Barkley Everton return on the cards?
Barkley’s form this season has been superb. Luton boss Rob Edwards spoke of his joy watching the 30-year-old play in January. He told BBC Sport: “We certainly love him, and what he’s doing for us at the moment is brilliant.
“The fans love him. Some of his performances you would pay to watch, and that’s been great because it is an entertainment business, and we want to try to be entertaining while winning football matches. It is difficult all of the time, but players like Ross help.”
After a difficult couple of years, it’s good to see the Liverpudlian back playing his best football. If Luton return to the Championship, there’s every chance of the midfielder remaining in the Premier League.
From a financial perspective, it’s a move that could work for Everton. The transfer fee would be relatively low, and he’s hardly going to be earning huge wages at the moment.
However, his exit during Ronald Koeman’s tenure could be too much to look past. Of course, as Carragher has alluded to, time is a healer in football, but there’s a sense that Barkley’s Goodison Park career is potentially a book that should remain firmly closed.