Valerien Ismael on why Daryl Dike's first Barnsley FC goal is such a key moment

BARNSLEY head coach Valerien Ismael believes that Daryl Dike’s maiden goal for the Reds in midweek represents a significant psychological moment for the striker.

The young forward, brought to the club in a high-profile move from MLS franchise Orlando City on deadline day, found the net on his fifth appearance for the Oakwell outfit in Wednesday night’s 2-0 home victory over Stoke City.

The 20-year-old US international netted in stoppage-time to put gloss on a fourth victory in a row for the first time in the Ismael era for the in-form Reds, who have moved up to eighth place in the Championship table and within sight of the play-offs.

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Previously, Dike has seen the likes of fellow strikers Carlton Morris and Conor Chaplin take plaudits in the Reds’ recent purple patch after helping themselves to goals and a sense of relief was likely to have been afforded the forward after his special personal moment against Stoke.

Daryl Dike. Picture courtesy of Barnsley FC.Daryl Dike. Picture courtesy of Barnsley FC.
Daryl Dike. Picture courtesy of Barnsley FC.

The delight of his team-mates who celebrated with him after his strike was also there for everyone to see as Dike crowned some positive recent performances by way of a goal.

Dike and his colleagues are seeking to guild another excellent week in the Reds’ season in fitting fashion against Millwall on Saturday - and potentially pass the fifty-point mark for the season.

On Dike’s breakthrough goal, Ismael said: “It is always important for a striker. Some positions in football are very sensitive.

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“The goalkeeper is a sensitive position and the striker is the second most sensitive position. When a striker does not score, he starts to think a lot and think too much sometimes and that is why you can see a really bad run for a striker.

“For us, it is really important that Dee-Kay had the breakthrough and knows he can score in the Championship.

“It will give him confidence for the rest of the season now and for sure, the team will try to help him score (more) as quick as possible and tomorrow is another chance.

“It is important for a striker to score with consistency.”