Valerien Ismael stresses match-winner Alex Mowatt's importance to the Barnsley FC cause after Watford FC success

Valerien Ismael stressed the importance of Alex Mowatt to the Barnsley cause after watching his captain net another fine goal to sink Watford at Oakwell.
Alex Mowatt celebrates after netting Barnsley's winner against Watford. Pictures: Getty ImagesAlex Mowatt celebrates after netting Barnsley's winner against Watford. Pictures: Getty Images
Alex Mowatt celebrates after netting Barnsley's winner against Watford. Pictures: Getty Images

The 25-year-old former Leeds United midfielder followed up his blockbuster at Millwall last weekend with an equally impressive long-range strike against the Hornets.

That sixth-minute effort proved to be the difference between the teams on a cold but sunny afternoon in South Yorkshire, and earned newly-appointed Ismael his second win as many matches as Reds chief.

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Assessing Mowatt’s contribution since his arrival at the club, the Barnsley head coach said: “Alex is our captain. He’s very important.

Barnsley head coach Valerien Ismael.Barnsley head coach Valerien Ismael.
Barnsley head coach Valerien Ismael.

“He understood quickly after a few training sessions the principles of what we want to see on the pitch. That’s why we use his quality to win the ball and shoot from distance - he made the goal.

“Alex is a player who has a very big influence on the game with his capability to keep the ball like a quarter-back.

“He plays the ball in behind and between the lines and that is why he is very important.”

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Another Reds player who caught Ismael’s eye was Callum Styles.

The versatile 20-year-old started in central midfield against QPR last time out, but was deployed at left-wing-back on Saturday, before having to switch to the right flank when Callum Brittain went off injured.

“Callum has impressed me because he can play left, right, in the middle, it is no problem for him,” Ismael added.

“That’s why I don’t want to keep in mind only one position for him. He is a very good player.”

Victory elevates Barnsley up to 15th place in the Championship standings.

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