Barnsley FC benefitting from Valerien Ismael’s licence to be aggressive

Valerien Ismael has given Barnsley licence to be aggressive and direct, which is resulting in their surge up the Championship table.
Victor Adeboyejo: The Barnsley striker stepped off the bench to score against Preston. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)Victor Adeboyejo: The Barnsley striker stepped off the bench to score against Preston. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)
Victor Adeboyejo: The Barnsley striker stepped off the bench to score against Preston. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

That is the verdict of Victor Adeboyejo who scored the winning goal against Preston North End on Tuesday night, an eighth victory in 12 games under Frenchman Ismael which has seen Barnsley rise into the top half of the Championship.

“I do feel like we’re a bit more direct as a team,” said Adeboyejo.

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“He’s got us playing direct and aggressively. He’s also given us a lot of confidence by showing he’s willing to give anyone a chance.

Valerian Ismael celebrates at full-time with Victor Adeboyejo (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)Valerian Ismael celebrates at full-time with Victor Adeboyejo (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)
Valerian Ismael celebrates at full-time with Victor Adeboyejo (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

“Not that Gerhard (Struber) didn’t do that, but it’s something that’s clearly working.”

That willingness to give players a chance has benefitted Adeboyejo. He is behind Cauley Woodrow in the striking department but as Ismael said after he guided home the 80-minute winner on Tuesday night, it is reassuring to have a ‘gamechanger’ and a ‘weapon’ on the bench like the former Leyton Orient man.

And for the 22-year-old, having his manager give him that belief when he sent him on as a 61st- minute substitute, is encouraging.

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“He told us to inject a bit of pace into the team, to be free,” said Adeboyejo on the instructions given by Ismael.

“It’s nice to come and score the winner, but the energy the boys expanded for the whole 90 minutes is commendable, and to come on and score the winner is a reward for them.”

Now Barnsley turn their attentions to the long trip to Swansea City on Saturday.

They have reached the 28-point mark 14 games quicker than they managed last season but targets are not changing at Oakwell.

Ismael said: “We are looking at the games one by one.

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“You can quickly go in the other direction, that’s why you have to stay focused.”

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