Barnsley managed only a second win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Derby County in the Championship on Wednesday night at Oakwell. Goals came from Victor Adeboyejo in the 39th minute, and Aaron Leya Iseka scoring in the 50th minute. It was a vital three points for the reds and for temporary boss Joseph Laumann in his first game in charge.
After a whole-round impressive and much improved team performance, we take a look at how the Barnsley players ranked in their performance against the Wayne Rooney’s Derby County:
Brad Collins- 8/10
Despite conceding, Collins put in a superb display making key saves to deny Tom Lawrence and Louie Sibley, in the first and second half respectively. He could do nothing about the goal. Up to this game he had possibly been the only positive of the season
Callum Brittain- 8/10
After some questionable performances in recent matches, Brittain proved his doubters wrong by shining throughout the game both in defence and attack. He even claimed the assists for both goals, after some good play for setting up the first, and quick thinking to set up the second. He caused Craig Forsyth to be subbed off at halftime after such an impressive first half display, which continued into the second period. Without doubt his best performance of the season and more like the Brittain of last season. Before this game I had been calling for him to be dropped and Williams play the right wing back role.
Mads Andersen- 7/10
Andersen didn’t put a foot wrong, won most duels and competed well against the Derby forward line. typical Andersen performance
Michal Helik- 8/10
My man of the match. As usual, a rock at the back for Barnsley winning duels, go in for challenges and intercepting balls constantly. Was a threat at set pieces too, although did not quite manage to find back of net, the threat is always there.
Jasper Moon- 7/10
Most fans questioned his inclusion to the starting XI, myself included but he was composed, calm and assured. One of his better performances. There’s some real potential in Moon and you have to feel a bit sorry for the young lad who has had to play in several positions so early in to his career.
Callum Styles- 8/10
Styles impressed going forward and caused issues to the Derby backline, and almost won a penalty. It would’ve been soft had it been given, and he did make the most of it too. There was contact but the dive was spectacular.
Claudio Gomes- 8/10
97.6% passing accuracy for Frenchman topped off a fine display, where he picked up loose balls and spread them to the front of the pitch. Had plenty of opportunities but opted against doing so, which did frustrate fans a little. Still, an unsung and underrated player in helping Barnsley to victory. His best game for the club so far.
Josh Benson- 7/10
Worked well with Gomes and linked well with Barnsley’s attackers when going forward to try creating goalscoring chances. Took over Woodrow on set pieces and delivered mostly well. Has a good range of passing but tried a few too many cross field passes after that beauty with his left on the swivel to Styles came off. Seems to back out of the the physical aspect of the game which could be a problem for him.
Victor Adeboyejo- 8/10
Worked his socks off all game, piling pressure on the two Derby centre halves and keeper. Took his goal really well with a smart curled finish and added deflection. He has been excellent the last few games and deserves to be a starter.
Cauley Woodrow- 8/10
A mixed view of Woodrow’s performance from talking to other fans. He seems to be the player that can do no right at the moment in a lot of fans eyes. For me this was an improved performance on what he has produced for the majority of the season. He gets an extra mark over what I would have given purely for his last gasp defending at the end. Fighting for the team, winning headers in our box and clearances. The sort of fight that you want to see from your skipper when he has been a bit off form.
Aaron Leya Iseka- 8/10
Took his goal really well with a smart finish and pressed really well like Adeboyejo. Won a few aerial duels too and was a menace all game. His goal makes it three for the season and is joint top goal scorer alongside Woodrow. Looks a real player and gets better and better every game.
