Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has said that he welcomes comparisons with Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack as his club looks to secure his future at the Premier League side, according to reports.
According to Sport24, the 20-year-old has been one of this season's standout players and drew some favourable comparisons with former England international Gascoigne and ex-Germany captain Ballack from manager Roberto Martinez following a man-of-the-match display in Sunday's draw with Arsenal.
He said that when Martinez was appointed as David Moyes's replacement earlier this year he was confident he would get the opportunity to play regularly given the way the Spaniard promoted young players while in charge of Wigan Athletic, the report added.
He was happy with his progress, but having netted twice this season, was keen to increase his goalscoring tally, the report said.
Martinez revealed ahead of Saturday's clash with Fulham that Everton, sitting fifth in the league, were looking to offer Barkley a new contract, the report further said.
