Barnes beaming for Baggies

At just 20 years of age, Harvey Barnes has already scored 5 goals and notched 2 assists for the 'Baggies' so far this campaign, as Darren Moore's side are flying high in the Championship, and holding hopes of an immediate return to the top flight at the end of the campaign. 

The young midfielder is adamant that going in search of regular game time has helped his career to blossom, and after having had spells with MK Dons and Barnsley, the youngster is beginning to show his quality in the second tier of English football. 

Furthermore, Barnes will feel that his decision to leave Leicester behind has been vindicated, as he received his first England U21 call up at the beginning of the month, and is becoming an ever-growing presence at the heart of the West Brom midfield. 

Barnes looked right at home during his international debut, a 2-0 victory over Scotland this month, and the youngster has described how it felt to represent England for the very first time: ""It was a bit nerve-wracking, but for me, it couldn't have gone better. And having my mum and dad there made me very proud."

Ahead of the 'Baggies' clash with Derby at the Hawthorns on Wednesday night, the youngster spoke to 'Sky Sports' about the factors he feels have contibuted to his development thus far. 

 

October 5, 2018

In the same vein, Barnes was full of praise for the loan system in England, saying: "The loans have been massive for my career. I feel like the first at MK Dons, I was at that point where I was doing well in the Leicester U23s, but I wanted to push myself in a senior team and I got a lot of on-pitch time. With each loan, there's been a step up in the quality." 

He continued: "Each one has brought a different challenge. Being so young, I felt I had to be playing first-team football to bring me on as a player."

Barnes was also keen to praise the influence of current manager Darren Moore, who has brought on his tactical understanding of the game during his short time in the midlands. 

Of the atmosphere and help he has received at West Brom, Barnes explained: "There is a really good group in the changing room. The gaffer has been really good with me. For a young player coming in, he has given me confidence and speaks to me about my roles and responsibilities on and off the ball. He just encourages players to express themselves. That's been shown in our performances with the goals we have scored."

 

October 30, 2017

In his short time at West Brom, Barnes has earned a reputation for not only scoring goals, but scoring both important and sometimes spectacular ones too.  Most notably a stunning long range effort for Barsnley against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

When asked about his exploits by 'Sky Sports' this week, Barnes was keen to highlight his current confidence in offensive areas of the pitch saying: " I like to think of myself as a player who can create something out of nothing. I've scored some of best goals of my career this season. That's come from the confidence the manager and team have given me."

For the moment, Barnes has insisted that his only focus is on helping West Brom achieve their targets this season. However, if the youngster continues to play so well, senior coach at parent club Leicester, Claude Puel, will have to take notice, as there will be many clubs circling for the player's long term signature soon enough.