Barnsley are taking on the world: they find themselves in the play-offs and with a genuine shot at promotion after some great consistent form. However, it’s not just that fairy tale story that is taking over the headlines. Under Valérien Ismaël, who was appointed on October 23, they play such an incredibly aggressive, modern, and high-risk style of football. A style that is associated to the top modern coaches in the game and certainly not a team in the second tier.

Mainly with a 3-4-3 shape, Ismaël's Barnsley play with a very high energy pressing game: they set out to swarm opponents in advanced positions in the pitch. This naturally comes with a big risk, but when all the players are performing with such cohesion and in such a well-drilled nature - it’s hard to answer the big questions that Barnsley ask of you.

As always with a set-up like this, wing-backs are a key component in Ismael’s machine. So, welcome Callum Styles: the left wing-back who is the key to Barnsley’s promotion chase. The 20-year-old deservedly won the EFL Young Player of the Month award in February and is a player that will, in time, be in the upper echelons of the English football pyramid.

His Role in Possession