How Tottenham could line up with Ross Barkley next season

Alongside Dembele and Wanyama (4-3-3)

Barkley has also occasionally played in a slightly deeper role for Everton in his career, with varying success.

The main issue there is that he is sometimes not disciplined enough defensively, be it that he doesn’t track back quick enough, but mainly because he sometimes gives the ball away in dangerous areas, and tries to dribble out of trouble.

However, alongside Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele, Pochettino would still expect him to put a shift in defensively, but Barkley would have the safeguard of two of the best central midfielders in the Premier League alongside him.

Kenyan captain Wanyama has been sensational since his summer move from Southampton, with his physical strength and presence constantly thwarting opposition attacks, while 29-year-old Dembele is brilliant both on and off the ball, to the point that he is one of the most underrated players in the league.

Barkley would surely be able to learn from these two to help him flourish in that role as well.