Everton midfielder Ross Barkley gets inspiration from Man City and Arsenal stars

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley admits he has studied Yaya Toure and Mesut Ozil in his attempts to improve.

The England international had an indifferent season at Goodison Park, but Barkley is hoping his research will be a boost for next year.

"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."