Former Everton midfielder John Collins does not believe that Ross Barkley can be included in the bracket of ‘top players’.

The 23-year-old came with plenty of promise when he burst onto the scene in the 2013-14 season after coming through the Toffees’ youth ranks.

Barkley has been good enough to become a full England international, but in the last year or so, his stock has fallen.

The midfielder has struggled to get into the Three Lions squad due to his performances at Goodison Park last season, some of which resulted in him being benched by manager Ronald Koeman.

It has seemingly been difficult for Barkley to perform well on a consistent basis, and there is a widespread feeling that he has not fulfilled his potential.

Koeman recently admitted to the media that the midfielder will end his 12-year association with Everton by leaving the club this summer as he desires a new challenge.

Barkley, who has one year remaining on his contract, has been linked to Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal but it remains unclear which his next club will be.

Collins believes that Wayne Rooney returned to the club from Manchester United as a replacement for Barkley, who the former midfielder claims cannot be regarded as a top player.

He told talkSPORT:

“Sometimes he doesn’t run, work and sweat enough for the team when you watch him. If he had Wayne Rooney’s attitude and desire then I would class him as a top player.”

“Is it confidence? I don’t think so because he’s got a lot of talent, he’s got skill, he’s got power, he’s got speed but to be a top player – as we are all talking about it – you have got to have the whole package. At this moment when I am seeing him he doesn’t have the whole package.”