Jon Russell, a midfielder, has adapted well to his more advanced role within the team, which has led to Barnsley’s recent upturn in form.
Since the two terrible back-to-back losses against Huddersfield in the league and football league trophy, Darrell Clarke and his Barnsley team seem to have benefited greatly from the October international break. Clarke and his team were under criticism heading into the break because they were falling out of the League One play-off spots and lacked both style and substance.
The team and management seem to have worked on several areas over the international break, and when they returned, midfielder Jon Russell was playing in a more advanced “number eight” role instead of in front of a back three.
Russell performs better in more senior roles.
Russell has been more productive for the squad since being used in a number eight position behind the attackers. Russell scored in the 2-0 away victory against Shrewsbury after nearly scoring several times recently, hitting the bar and having one shot blocked off the line.
Although Russell has been causing problems for the opponent in the penalty area in recent games, Barnsley supporters are more accustomed to seeing him played as a defensive midfielder who protects the back three and breaks up play.
The Jamaican international’s ability to disrupt play and cause trouble has always allowed him to regain possession of the ball. Russell is turning and facing the opposition goal now that he is in an advanced role, which is something the Barnsley midfield hasn’t done much of lately.
An improved equilibrium within the Barnsley group
The balance of the Barnsley team has improved as a result of Russell moving up the pitch to help the developing combination between Stephen Humphry and Davis Keillor-Dunn and Georgie Gent taking over at left back.
Gent is practicing his defensive skills, taking on defenders, and firing risky crosses into the opponent’s penalty area. Gent is adjusting to the roughness of League One after a sluggish start to life at Oakwell, and he is already displaying indications that he can establish himself on the left side.
In the Barnsley forward line, Stephen Humphrys and Keillor-Dunn seem to have come to an agreement after Max Watters and Sam Cosgrove’s seasons were cut short by injuries. Watters has returned to scoring, but in order to avoid any further injury setbacks, he will need to be gradually reintroduced into the lineup.
It seems that Darrell Clarke was able to make a small change with his Barnsley team during the October international break. The squad seems to have benefited from a few minor personnel changes, and Jon Russell deserves recognition for seizing his chance and leaving his mark.
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