Jordan Williams says his seven months out of the Barnsley first team were ‘tough’ but he is delighted to have been brought in at the business end of the season.
The 19-year-old right-back joined from Huddersfield Town in August then made two substitute appearances that month but he only played once from then until March in the league, often being left out of the 18-man squad and featuring instead for the under 23s. He has started the last three games and has replaced Dimitri Cavare as first choice right-back. Williams set up the opening goal in the 3-0 win at Plymouth Argyle on Monday with a 50-yard pass to Cauley Woodrow.
He said: “It was maybe my best performance for Barnsley so far. It was tough being out of the team but the gaffer told me to keep working hard then my chance has come which is good. I have really enjoyed coming into the team and the lads have helped me a lot. Off the field, the boys are quality. We go out for meals and socialise together. We’re all a similar age and into similar things. We are all just starting our careers.”
Head coach Daniel Stendel said of Williams: “Everyone can see that he is a 19-year-old playing like a 30-year-old. He is very confident and calm. He has developed very well in the last month. When he arrived, he played like a youth player and he needed to develop in the under 23s. He has a very good attitude and now he has his chance in the first team.”
Williams has played several times on the right wing this season but is usually a right-back. He said: “I enjoyed playing on the wing, I will play anywhere. “But my preferred position is right-back and I am really enjoying playing there.”
Williams has combined with right winger Jacob Brown in recent games. He said: “We have a very good partnership. We’re close friends off the pitch and we always talk. I think that shows on the pitch.”
