Exclusive: ‘He’s an artist’ - Luton boss Rob Edwards ahead of Ross Barkley’s Chelsea reunion in Premier League

Luton manager Rob Edwards has described Ross Barkley as an “artist” who needs to be given “freedom” - as The Hatters' gaffer also revealed his hopes of tying “elite athlete” Andros Townsend down to a new contract soon.

Barkley is gearing up to face former side Chelsea in the Premier League this Saturday lunchtime, in a game which will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Barkley joined on a free transfer in August following his release from French club Nice, and he has played a big role in Luton’s improvement since winning promotion from the Championship, culminating in back-to-back wins over Newcastle and Sheffield United over the festive period so far.

Now 30, the ex-Everton player recently told The Times that he is targeting an international recall and feels fitter than ever. Barkley has been playing in a box-to-box role for Luton, but Edwards is keen not to put the handbrake on.

“We try and put round pegs in round holes, we try not to complicate things too much,” Edwards told TNT Sports.

“By playing Ross slightly deeper, he almost gives us that first pass. If we win the ball back he’s allowing us to take control in transitional situations. He’s allowing us to evolve and change as a team.

“Ross is a player that still needs an element of freedom to get the best out of him - as long as we can get a couple of non-negotiables from him - he’s got to be able to feel the game to be at his best.

“He’s an artist, really. You’ve got to allow him a little bit to go and do his stuff. We love having him here, he’s come into the group and shown loads of humility, worked incredibly hard.

“There’s still more to come from him, which I think is really exciting as well. We’ve given him a home, we’re helping each other. He’s helping us and we’re helping him enjoy his football again. When players have a home, they feel more valued, you’re going to get the best out of them.”

Townsend has also impressed since joining on a short-term contract, but his deal is just about to expire. The 32-year-old scored in the 1-0 victory over Newcastle just before Christmas, and Edwards is hoping he will not be going anywhere.

“We’re negotiating at the moment, hopefully we can tie him down,” he said.

“He’s been brilliant, he’s made a big impact for us. Not just on the pitch, everything that he does - his professionalism, the way he conducts himself, he’s an elite athlete.

“It’s great, especially for our younger players, to see that - this is what is required to be at the top of the game.

“He’s an impressive man, tactically very aware. His intensity, the way he’s playing, his running levels - you should see his stats, they’re really impressive, his fitness is incredible."

Teams have found trips to Kenilworth Road trip this season, with Luton earning a draw against Liverpool and making fellow contenders Arsenal and Manchester City struggle to victories.

Against a Chelsea team whose form has been erratic, Edwards believes their home fans can play a part.

“We’re going to expect the best Chelsea, they’ve had a few losses away from home, but we give them the respect that they’re due.

“But the Kenny’s got something special, and at home we fancy ourselves in every single game.

“The crowd make it more intense, it’s just different there, it’s a different feel to any other place. It probably is a little bit of a leveller and we know that, and feel it. It doesn’t guarantee anything but we go into the game confident, in good form and really believing.”

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