Barnsley v Blackburn Rovers - Why Romal Palmer excites Valerien Ismael

AN energetic, tenacious midfielder who is at the right age to progress, Romal Palmer seems exactly the sort of player who is right up Valerien Ismael’s street.
By Leon Wobschall
Published 17th Feb 2021, 06:00 BST
Good impression: Barnsley’s Romal Palmer impressed head coach Valerien Ismael with his performance at Brentford. (Picture: PA)Good impression: Barnsley’s Romal Palmer impressed head coach Valerien Ismael with his performance at Brentford. (Picture: PA)
Good impression: Barnsley’s Romal Palmer impressed head coach Valerien Ismael with his performance at Brentford. (Picture: PA)

Promoted to the starting line-up for Barnsley’s magnificent victory at Brentford on Sunday, Palmer’s performance drew rave reviews and pointed to a player who has a bright future.

It is a sentiment that the Reds head coach would concur with.

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Yet as ever, the tough taskmaster provides a caveat regarding the 22-year-old, who looks an identikit player for Ismael’s high-energy and high-pressing aggressive style of play.

Barnsley head coach Valerien Ismael (Picture: Tony Johnson)Barnsley head coach Valerien Ismael (Picture: Tony Johnson)
Barnsley head coach Valerien Ismael (Picture: Tony Johnson)

Ismael said: “I see the quality in him and see his possibilities. But it is not enough just to see.

“Now he has to get the job done and that is to put his performance on the pitch and help the team and improve himself to play in this way. But he has all the skill to do it.

“The only issue he has to control is small injuries. We need Romal to improve his capability to play throughout 90 minutes now. That is the next step for him.

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“Romal has to get to the level of Alex Mowatt to make sure he can play for 90 minutes.”

With Barnsley having three of their next four games at Oakwell, an opportunity is there to improve their recent home statistics, with the Reds without a home league win this year.

A grounded Ismael added: “The only thing I can say is that after our win against Brentford is we are nearer the 50-point line.

“But we need to sustain our effort and 100 per cent commitment from the guys. Whether we play at home or away does not matter.

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“The next step is even more commitment and energy if possible.

“I look at the next opponent and not the table. We need to keep the momentum going.”

Last six games: Barnsley LWDDLW; Blackburn LDWWLL.

Referee: M Donohue (Greater Manchester).

Last time: Barnsley 2 Blackburn 0, June 30, 2020; Championship.

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Related topics:Valerien IsmaelBarnsleyBlackburn RoversBrentfordAlex Mowatt

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