Everton manager Ronald Koeman has praised Ross Barkley, saying he is "really happy" with the midfielder's recent performances.
Earlier in the season, Koeman was critical of Barkley on several occasions and said he was unsure whether the playmaker would ever go on to achieve the levels expected of him.
But Barkley's performances in a more advanced role in the last few games have impressed Koeman, who said: "We had several individual talks about his performances, about his football, about his position.
"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'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."
Koeman and his players went on a midseason training break in Dubai last week ahead of this weekend's return to Premier League action against Sunderland.
"We had a sandstorm but we had good temperatures and a good week,'' the manager said.
"We did good intensive sessions over there in the morning, the boys had some free time in the afternoon and we did some meetings.
"It was a training camp, it wasn't a holiday. I was really happy with how the players worked all week and I think it was a good choice."