Everton manager Ronald Koeman says Ross Barkley's form has massively improved after a change of position.
The England midfielder has taken up a slightly different role in the team in recent weeks.
Koeman was critical of him earlier in the season.
The boss says he is pleased with what he's seen since then.
"In the last few games he played in a different position in the midfield, and I think that's the best for the team at the moment and for himself," he said.
"He's working hard. I told him if I don't talk any more to you then you need to be afraid, and I am still talking to him because I am really happy about his last performances."
Barkley has scored four Premier League goals this season in 22 matches.
Earlier in the season, Koeman had been critical of the player's form and also dropped him from the starting XI in the Autumn.
Indeed, the player approached Koeman about his public remarks about him as confirmed by the Dutchman, who earlier this month said: "I spoke about this with Ross. He mentioned that it is always about him. I said: 'Ok, start to be afraid when they don’t ask about you. Then you need to be afraid. And if the manager is still criticising you as a player then it means he still believes in your qualities. If I don’t talk about you anymore than that is when you need to be afraid.'"
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
