Ross Barkley delivered another impressive performance as Chelsea sealed a 3-2 win over Luton (Shutterstock)
Owen Hargreaves believes Ross Barkley was ‘the best midfielder on the pitch’ as Chelsea sealed a 3-2 victory over Luton Town on Saturday.
Two goals from Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke’s strike gave Chelsea a commanding 3-0 lead at Kenilworth Road but Luton set up a nervy finish as Barkley and Elijah Adebayo found the net inside the final 10 minutes.
Barkley, who joined Luton on a free transfer in the summer transfer window, delivered another impressive performance in central midfield.
And Hargreaves believes the former Chelsea midfielder outshone Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo and Palmer.
‘Ross was the best midfield player on the pitch,’ Hargreaves told Premier League Productions after Chelsea’s win over Luton.
‘They’ve got £100 million players out there and the kid they [Luton] got on a free transfer was exceptional today.
Cole Palmer scored twice in Chelsea’s win against Luton (PA)
‘I thought actually defensively first half they [Chelsea] were okay, the goalkeeper did alright.
‘I’m not sure there was pressure on the ball as much, the front players were letting the ball get into wide areas too easily.
‘I thought in the first half Disasi and Silva defended really well. Second half, the front players didn’t really help out. I’m sure Poch would be happy with the first half and not so happy with the second.’
Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips added: ‘Although they struggled at the end they got over the line.
‘If they play like that defensively they’ll be in with a problem, so there are still things to work on but a lot of positives.
‘They have to be as clinical as they were in the first half, once you’re taking your chances it’s down to the other team to do the rest.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.