Everton assistant manager Graeme Jones has stated that Ross Barkley needs a break from football in order to recharge his batteries.

Following a breakthrough campaign in 2013/14, Barkley was unable to replicate such blistering form last term and as a result, the young midfielder was largely reduced to a fringe role by manager Roberto Martinez for the second half of the season.

Many have attributed Barkley's loss of form to the sudden attention he garnered last year but Toffees number two Jones has instead stated his belief that a lack of proper rest has hindered the 21-year old's progress.

Jones said: "I think what Ross needs to do is get a break from football. It's been constant for him. I'd like to see him have week off and then he's obviously going away with England which will keep his level of fitness up and then he can have a complete switch off.

"The season before that he came back to pre-season late because he'd played in the Under-20s World Cup in Turkey. It's been constant. After a while your freshness leaves you and you become a little bit stale.

"Ross is not that type of lad, he gives everything he's got every single day and loves football. He's certainly got the right attitude and the right aptitude for the job but these people are human beings, they're not machines, they're not robots and like everyone they need a break to get stronger and come back and do better."