Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has raised a few eyebrows after admitting that Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho is one of a number of players that he looks up to when seeking improvement in his own game.
After years of indifferent form and the inevitable pressure that comes with being an up and coming England players, Barkley has arguably had his most consistent season with the Toffees.
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With five goals and assist apiece to his name in 27 appearances so far this season, Barkley is finally showing the consistency that many would hope for as he approached his 24th birthday,
Despite impressing in recent months, the midfielder has confessed that he must continue to seek improvement in his game and admitted that there are a number of players he wishes to emulate in the future.
Barkley told theMail:"I look at my game, I look at other players. I look at people who play in my position,
"I try to see what they are doing differently and what I could do better.Players like [Mesut] Ozil, Coutinho, [David] Silva. Players like Kaka.
"The masters of what they do. I look at their end product, their assists, their goals."
Whilst Coutinho may not be the most obvious answer an Everton player would give, Barkley's admiration is at least justified, as the Brazilian has also enjoyed a productive season for Jurgen Klopp's side and recently found the net in the team's recent 3-1 defeat to Leicester City.
Barkley himself will be hoping that he and his teammates can continue their good form when they travel to White Hart Lane this Sunday to face a Tottenham side, who boast an impressive home record this season.