Opinion: Why Callum Styles has been one of the standout midfielders in the Championship this season

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Barnsley have been the surprise package so far this season, with some excellent performances including a 0-2 win at Brentford seeing the Tykes sit 12th in the Championship table.

After a great escape last season where Barnsley stayed up on the last matchday of the season, the Reds have taken steps since to ensure they won’t be drawn in to any such difficulties this season.

Perhaps the main reason for Barnsley’s superb performances under Valerien Ismael has been the excellent displays from the midfield, with Alex Mowatt and breakthrough star Romal Palmer flourishing under the tutelage of the French coach.

But arguably the best of the trio so far this season has been former Bury midfielder Callum Styles, with the 20-year-old being branded ‘the Bury Baggio’ for his curly hairstyle, and excellent dribbling qualities. Here is an in depth look at why Styles has been so effective for the South Yorkshire side this season.

Part of the transfer philosophy

Callum Styles arrived at Oakwell in 2018 and completely fitted the transfer philosophy of the Tykes. A young hungry player who’d been showing great promise in the league below, Barnsley have shown patience with the Lancashire born midfielder and 2 and a half years after his arrival in South Yorkshire he’s revealing all his qualities to the Barnsley faithful.

A part of the philosophy at Barnsley is to sell player’s on for a profit, and if Styles was to leave in the summer, they should be able to pocket a healthy fee for the promising young midfielder.

A reliable player for Ismael

Callum styles had proven to be a reliable player for Barnsley under the guidance of Gerhard Struber last season, and since the arrival of new head coach, Frenchman Valerien Ismael in October the 20-year-old has found another level.

Styles has been a fundamental part of Ismael’s impressive start to life in charge of the South Yorkshire team, showing his qualities to the Frenchman both out wide and centrally in midfield.

Goal scoring contributions

Another impressive part of Styles game has been his goal contributions so far this season. On paper the two goals and three assists contributed by Styles may not seem substantial, but when you read between the lines it’s far more impressive.

The 20-year-old has completed over 500 passes in the league for the Reds so far this season, with a handful of these creating chances for Barnsley. His passing qualities and forward thinking mindset, will surely be an attraction to the Premier League teams taking a look at him.

Conclusion

To summarise, it’s quite clear to see that Styles has been one of the very best midfielders in the Championship so far this season.

The 20-year-old has been vital to head coach Ismael and his displays in midfield both centrally and out wide have been crucial to Barnsley’s excellent run of form.

Whether Styles stays at Oakwell beyond the summer or not is currently unclear, but the midfielder is certain to have suitors from the Premier League in the summer. But if he and Barnsley can keep up their excellent run of form, they could become outsiders to sneak in to the play-offs come May.