How Ross Barkley Fared In A Behind Closed Doors Match For Chelsea

Ross Barkley had a Chelsea run out, albeit an unofficial game, following his switch from Everton in a behind closed doors friendly against QPR.

The 24-year-old left his boyhood club with Chelsea signing the midfielder for a reported £15 million.

His addition will bolster Antonio Conte's midfield options ahead of the second half of the season. A scoring-midfield option, at that.

Barkley played for Chelsea on Thursday in a practice match, starring for his new side as they beat QPR 3-2 which included him bagging a brace.

Conte will be hoping his new signing returns to match fitness as soon as possible, so he can call upon his services with his side lacking goals of late.

And the Italian boss reckons Barkley has the quality to score more goals. "I think he has the quality to score more goals. My priority before that is to convince the player to work for the team," Conte said.

conte

_{Conte barking out instructions from the sideline. Image: PA}

He added: "If you are able to work for the team, the team then exalt your characteristics. We are talking about a talented player and we are happy to have him in our squad.

The defending English champions are without summer signing Alvaro Morata for the trip to Brighton this weekend.

The Spaniard received two yellow cards against Norwich in the FA Cup which means he's suspended for Saturday's league encounter.

Could Conte hand Barkley his Chelsea debut? Watch this space.

Topics: Football News, Chelsea, Football, Ross Barkley, Premier League

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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