Special talents emerging at Barnsley says Valerien Ismael

Styles, 20, who has risen to prominence in an outstanding 2020, picked an opportune time to score his first goal at Oakwell with a brilliant late strike to put the Reds in front in a game-breaking moment.

Ismael, whose side registered a third successive Oakwell win and clean sheet in his tenure, said: “Callum is a part of three or four players who are very special. They have a lot of talent.

“As young guys, for sure in the near future, they may have focus from other clubs. But it is part of the game and my job is to work with this guy and make sure he makes the next step with us.

“He (Styles) made some goals in training and all the time I say: ‘I want to see it one time in the game’ and he did it.

“I am very happy for him and this time it was very important and it was a knock-out for the opponent (Nottingham Forest).

“We felt it on the pitch and to score directly after was very important.”

The victory, sealed when Cauley Woodrow netted his first league goal in open play this term, moved Barnsley up to mid-table, with the Reds being nine points and 11 places better off than they were after 12 Championship games in 2019-20.

The win also represented the club’s first win over a side managed by Chris Hughton in seven attempts.

The bouquets may have been mainly reserved for Styles, but Ismael was quick to highlight the contribution of Jack Walton, who made some key saves at important junctures.

The Frenchman was also delighted to see the fruits of his training-ground labours in the international break also reap their rewards.

He added: ”It has been the first time where I have had time to work with the team every day on my principles and explain to the guys what I want to see and need.

“It was very important to see after a very important week of work. We deserved to win and that will give the team more confidence.

“In some situations, it was very good to see how the guys reacted and the second half was very strong. Nottingham Forest were very strong at the end of the first half, but the guys helped each other. If someone made a mistake, another one was there.

“Jack Walton’s contribution was very important to see. You need this spirit in a team.”

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