Ross Barkley is coming in for a lot of criticism after underperforming in Aston Villa’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester City at the weekend, leading to many supporters wanting the recall of Conor Hourihane, who is impressing in his loan spell at Swansea City.
Barkley has scored just one goal and hasn’t provided an assist since recovering from a hamstring injury in January (Transfermarkt), but Hourihane has found the back of the net four times in his first five appearances for the Swans (Transfermarkt).
Barkley had a hand in three goals from his first six Premier League appearances for Villa and was being touted for an England recall, but things have fallen apart after being injured in November and December, so it’s hard to see Gareth Southgate giving him an opportunity at the moment.
Hourihane requested a loan move away from Villa last month as he was struggling for playing time, but he is now making his parent club look foolish for getting rid of him after matching Barkley’s season total (four goals in 17 games) in just a matter of weeks.
These Villa fans on Twitter feel that the Irishman should be brought back to the club pronto and would be a better option in midfield than the “disappointing” Barkley:
