Ross Barkley at Chelsea - Exactly where do you think he fits in?

Having finally completed his move to Chelsea, there has been plenty of debate over the position Ross Barkley will play in Antonio Conte's team. 

I have seen plenty of debate and read through people ideas and opinions and it seems that most people believe that he will play a role similar to that of Frank Lampard or that he will be the alternative to Cesc Fabregas for Conte. I personally believe that he could be a mixture of both and the ability he has with the ball at his feet could put him ahead of Tiemoue Bakayoko in our starting eleven.

One person in particular who believes that Ross Barkley will struggle to fit in here is Joey Barton who now features on a regular basis on talkSport because of his ban from football. I don't know why people want to value his opinions or listen to him being honest but for the sake of this post we will entertain his view for debate.

He said:

”It is a good signing because £15m for Ross Barkley, if he can get back to the form he has got, is actually very cheap.

Everton have [also] got a good deal because you had a player running his contract out who wasn't going to sign a new one so you were going to lose him on a free.

The issue is going to firstly be whether Conte stays at Chelsea beyond the end of the season. If they don't win the title or progress in the Champions League, there could be question marks.

We all remember the Roma game not so long ago when he looked like he was teetering. There's David Luiz's issue with him, he was maybe going to lose the dressing room - I don't know what is going on.

And I can't see Ross Barkley starting for that Chelsea side.

Drinkwater has come in and done well and then it is kind of Hazard and Morata beyond that.

I don't really see where Ross Barkley fits in to the current Chelsea style under Conte." - Source.

For me it's clear if you base the argument on the fact that every manager/head coach in the Premier League sees their ideal squad having two players for each position and Barkley gives Conte the option of playing in the two we have mentioned. There is still a requirement for an additional central midfielder (RLC) to come in and provide competition for Bakayoko but for now, with the boss switching formations from 3-4-3 to 3-5-2 (or 3-5-1-1) on a regular basis, we have more than enough cover for each of the roles now.

Antonio Conte spoke of Barkley shortly after he signed and said:

"Ross Barkley is a really good player. First of all we have the necessity to bring him in the best physical condition. I think he can play in midfield, if we play with three midfielders, or number 10 if we play 3-4-3. Ross Barkley is also a creative player. 

I think he has the quality to score more goals. My priority before is to convince the player to work for the team. 

If you are able to work for the team, the team then exalt your characteristics. We are talking about a talented player and we are happy to have him in our squad.” - Source. 

It's an excellent English signing for just £15m and could prove to be a real bargain. Hearing him speak in his first Chelsea interview on Chelsea TV it's clear that he is determined to come in, work hard and succeed here.

For me he will be the natural alternative / replacement when he leaves for Cesc Fabregas because of his abilities to pass the ball and create from a deeper position. What do you people think?