Liam Kitching has been one of Barnsley's key players this season. He's started 21 of Barnsley's 22 games in League One this season, only Mads Andersen has started more. He's seen as a defensively solid centre back who contributes by stopping goals from being conceded. But he contributes much more than that and secretly, he is Barnsley's biggest attacking threat and the architect of many of the goals we score.
The first goal we'll look at is Devante Cole's 1st goal against Burton Albion 17/12/22
The move starts with the ball at Liam Kitching's feet. He then plays a long diagonal ball to the right wing-back, Jordan Williams.
Williams then touches the ball down and passes into the free space in the box. Matty Wolfe runs to pick the ball up and plays it across the goal.
Devante Cole taps Wolfe's pass in and Barnsley lead 1-0.
This goal started out with a diagonal pass from Liam Kitching, this is a reoccurring theme.
Now let's take a look at Barnsley's first goal in our 2-0 victory over Forest Green Rovers in October.
The move starts with the ball inside Barnsley's half and Kitching lumps forward a diagonal ball.
The long ball is met by Jordan Williams who puts the ball into the box.
Williams' cross is met by Devante Cole who heads home to give Barnsley the lead.
So once more Barnsley take the lead and it's all thanks to Liam Kitching.
This passage of play has happened countless times and occurs in three different forms:
As shown against Burton:
Kitching plays a long ball to Williams who passes to a centre mid who then plays the final pass to the striker.
KITCHING--> WILLIAMS--> RIGHT SIDED CENTRE MID---> STRIKER--> GOAL
As shown against Forest Green:
Kitching plays a long ball to Williams who crosses into the box and a striker scores.
KITCHING-> WILLIAMS-> STRIKER > GOAL
Against Bolton:
Kitching plays a long ball to Williams who passes to a right sided centre mid who then scores
KITCHING-> WILLIAMS-> RIGHT SIDED CENTRE MID > GOAL
Barnsley 2-1 Bolton
Once again, the move starts with Liam Kitching playing a long ball to Jordan Williams
Williams receives the ball and taps it down to Adam Phillips
Adam Phillips volleys the ball into the back of the net and Barnsley lead 2-0 once again all thanks to Liam Kitching and Jordan Williams
An unusual partnership
Conventionally, partnerships between players form with two players who play in the same position, for example two Centre Backs or two strikers. Or Partnerships between two players who play on the same side of the pitch, for example a left back and a left midfielder. But Liam Kitching plays as a left sided centre back and Williams plays as a right wing back.
This unusual partnership is vital for Barnsley. Kitching's accurate diagonal balls combined with Williams' blistering pace create many goals for Barnsley and likely will continue to.
So next time you see Liam Kitching pulling this pose and ready to play a diagonal ball, don't be surprised if a goal follows.
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