Yaya Toure and Mesut Ozil provide inspiration for Ross Barkley

The 21-year-old failed to replicate his form of the previous campaign, where he produced some scintillating performances in a key role behind the main striker.

The team, as a whole, was not able to match what they had achieved in Roberto Martinez's first season in charge, but Barkley is determined to find a way to rediscover his spark after struggling to adapt to being played in a number of positions.

'At club level I don't think I did as well as I wanted to do this season, but still I have learnt a lot and felt like I've improved as well,' he told thefa.com.

"When I come away with England listening to the more experienced lads like Joe Hart is great; he's a good example.

'I've also been watching clips on Yaya Toure and Mesut Ozil. Ozil is so calm in possession and picks the right passes, which is something I've got to get a bit better at.

'I just observe, just watch clips on YouTube and the spaces he moves into.

'With Yaya Toure (it is) the breaks forward he does and the counter-attacks. When he gets the ball his distribution is really good too.

'Personally, when I get on the pitch, I just try to put in a good performance. If I can do that then hopefully it can lift the lads around me.'

(independent.co.uk)