Brazilian Anderson needs to add hard work to artistry

championship

Ian Appleyard

BARNSLEY midfielder Anderson De Silva has been told that it is time to ‘roll his sleeves up’ by manager Mark Robins.

The former Brazilian international is the Oakwell ‘magician’ – capable of winning a game with his tricks but also good at disappearing acts!

After being hauled off in six of the last nine games, Anderson’s place in the Barnsley side is far from guaranteed ahead of today’s home game with Plymouth Argyle.

Robins has stressed that the former Everton player, who has yet to be offered a new contract, needs to improve his consistency.

“We want good footballers but we also need players who are willing to roll up their sleeves in this league and scrap for everything we get,” said Robins.

“People who have watched Anderson during his time at this club have levelled that accusation (of inconsistency) at him. He does need to be a little bit more consistent – because he is an undoubted talent.”

Former Barnsley manager Simon Davey paid a six-figure fee to sign Anderson two years ago after the player impressed on loan from Premier League Everton. He has now made 84 appearances for the Tykes and was the star of the show in a victory over Preston North End 11 days ago.

“Against Preston, he was outstanding and ran the game,” admitted Robins. “But, on Saturday and Tuesday night, he found it a little bit more difficult – even in a central role. That is Anderson and we trying to get the best out of him more often than not.

“That starts with him maybe rolling his sleeves up a little bit more and getting involved when the ball is not rolling as nicely as he wants it to. At times, it doesn’t do that,” Robins added.

“You want more than cameos from him because he is such a good player. You want to see him on the ball. It disappoints you, when you are watching him, if he is not doing what you know he can.

“From Anderson’s point of view, he leaves people wanting more but, when he does perform like he did against Preston, people rightly enthuse.”

A victory today could lift Barnsley to within a point of the Championship play-off zone but Robins is taking nothing for granted despite Plymouth’s current plight.

The Pilgrims, who recently appointed former striker Paul Mariner as manager, have lost five of the last six games in all competitions and sit nine points adrift of safety in the relegation zone.

“This is another big test for us and Plymouth will be fighting for their lives,” said Robins.

“We have achieved nothing but we want to improve a healthy position and make sure we can look back on this season with pride.”