Daniel Stendel has cast the spotlight on the kind of adaptable footballer he wants to build around at Oakwell, holding up teenager Arley Kay as an exemplar of the mentality and versatility the manager values.
Young players asked to be flexible during rebuild
Stendel says his ongoing overhaul of Barnsley’s playing style demands squad members who will embrace different roles and learn from varied experiences on the pitch. The Reds are still in a transitional phase this summer; they lost their opening home league match to newcomers Bromley and have seen at least one notable exit with the sale of Mael de Gevigney to Silkeborg.
That combination of tactical change and turnover in personnel leaves Stendel working with a squad he describes as a work in progress. He has been experimenting with player positions in pre-season and early fixtures, asking some of his younger players to take on multiple responsibilities to accelerate their development.
"I need open-minded players that say: 'Okay, it's a chance for me, I try and give my best and then I'm happy and then it helps everybody to improve and to come to his ambitions.'"
The manager singled out Kay for praise after the youngster featured at several positions during pre-season. Stendel notes the benefits of such flexibility for both individual growth and the club’s broader tactical aims.
- Arley Kay — used in several defensive positions during pre-season (right back, left back, centre-back).
- Mael de Gevigney — sold to Silkeborg this week, representing part of summer departures.
- Recent result — Barnsley were defeated at home by Bromley in their opening league fixture.
Derby and squad balance
Stendel accepted that while performances are important, results remain the ultimate measure — particularly on derby day when a large travelling support is expected for fixtures against neighbouring Doncaster Rovers. He said the display in the Bromley game contained positives despite the loss, but reiterated the need to convert chances into points.
The manager also acknowledged that not every player adapts as readily as Kay, and expressed a preference to work with more individuals who welcome positional changes as opportunities. For supporters, that will mean keeping an eye on which players are offered game time in varying roles as Stendel seeks to embed his preferred style at Oakwell.
| Item | Current situation |
|---|---|
| Playing style | Undergoing makeover, gradual implementation |
| Squad moves | Sale of Mael de Gevigney to Silkeborg; further departures possible |
| Recent match | Home league loss to Bromley |
With further reinforcements still desired by the manager, the coming weeks will be telling for Barnsley’s ambitions. Supporters will be watching not only results but how quickly Stendel can instil the flexibility and understanding he expects from players across the squad.
