Gems of the Lower Leagues: Jacob Butterfield

Just Football’s ‘Gems of the Lower Leagues’ series continues with a look at Barnsley midfielder Jacob Butterfield. James McMath looks at why talk of a January move to the Premier League will surprise some, but not Barnsley fans.

This season is going pretty well for Jacob Butterfield. He’s already scored more goals than in any previous campaign, been scouted by Everton and Stoke City and received a call-up to the England Under-21 setup. Not so dusty.

But this will have come as little to surprise to those who have watched Butterfield closely as he emerged through the ranks at Oakwell. For them, this recognition is merely overdue.

At 21, the Bradford-born playmaker is already captain at Oakwell, where fans have grown so used to their talented asset, it appears they are beginning to take him for granted. During the home defeat to Bristol City in October, the announcement of Butterfield as sponsors’ man of the match was greeted with boos by some supporters. The decision looked a fair shout from the press box but the locals clearly knew he could do better.

Butterfield caught the eye during an FA Youth Cup tie at Pride Park in 2007, quietly but very effectively going about his business.

Operating in an advanced midfield role, he kept the young Reds ticking over and, every now and then, picked out a killer ball to set someone through on goal or beyond a full-back. Barnsley won 9-8 on penalties that night after extra-time finished 3-3.

Most striking, perhaps, was the fact it was difficult to decipher which was Butterfield’s strongest foot. He took corners and free-kicks not with a favoured foot, but with whichever boot was most appropriate for the situation. It might say more about football in this country than it does about Butterfield that this was so startling.

Today, Butterfield plays in much the same way albeit, smartened and steeled by the nous brought by four seasons in and around first-team football.

In 2007-08, he went on to make one start and four substitute appearances in the first team. In 2008-09 Butterfield made only four senior appearances, but strong performances at reserve-team level saw him voted Barnsley’s young player of the year.

After making 10 league starts in 2009-10, Butterfield grabbed the chance last season to establish himself as a key member of the setup in South Yorkshire, making 18 stars and 22 appearances off the bench.

Today, he’s the Tykes’ talisman. He’s the heartbeat of Barnsley and Keith Hill’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system is suiting him perfectly. Butterfield is effective playing just behind lone striker, but looks most at home as a deep-lying playmaker, when coupled with the likes of Nathan Doyle or David Perkins – tenacious and energetic types.

Butterfield relishes the role of taking the ball off his centre-backs, getting Barnsley’s short passing game going and forcing back opponents as he progresses through their territory.

With those traits, combined with his quality from set pieces, he is becoming an increasingly influential force in the Championship.

It’s no surprise to see him linked with a move to the Premier League. Barnsley fans can’t believe it’s taken so long.

(photo credit: Barnsley FC official)

Barnsley, English Championship, Gems of the Lower Leagues, Jacob Butterfield