The supporters of Fratton should welcome Jordan Williams, a player of championship level, and disregard the “negative comments.”
According to BBC Radio Sheffield football commentator Andy Giddings, the Blues’ fresh addition has been unfairly tarnished by playing out of position during the previous campaign.
Even though Williams was a well-established right-back or right wing-back, he responded to Barnsley’s defensive signal by playing much of the season as a right-sided center-half.
As a result of his errors in his new capacity, the 24-year-old received criticism from certain Tykes supporters.
Giddings, however, is certain Pompey have a championship player on their hands—in the right position.
“You may have noticed upon his departure a few negative comments about his performances this season,” he said to The News. It is really severe, maybe even resentment over him leaving, even though he has made mistakes and had his times.
This season, Barnsley’s defence underwent a transformation, and he served as the lamb sacrifice. He was an excellent right wing-back for Michael Duff’s team that season, but he was forced to play right center-half last season.
Although Jordan is capable of doing so, the defence as a whole is not nearly as good as it was the season before, and he kind of became the centre of attention for everything. He became the scapegoat in a lot of ways.
In addition to losing Mads Andersen, Liam Kitching, and Bobby Thomas, Barnsley also planned to add more centre backs. After Neill Collins bombed out Kacper Lopata, they signed Donovan Pines in January, but Pines ended up missing the entire season.
Jordan essentially stepped in and, although he made a few personal errors that resulted in goals, he didn’t do any worse than anyone else over the season.
Even though Barnsley advanced to the playoffs, he didn’t perform to the same level as he had the previous season, primarily because he was no longer playing as a wing-back and the defence was entirely changed.
As a full-back, Jordan is reliable and has some quality. He typically rates a 7 out of 10, making him a 7 out of 10. He seems like a championship player to me.
Given that he has fluctuated in and out of the divisions, does he require strong players surrounding him? Yes, I suppose, just like everyone else.
“But he’s not one of the players you worried about when Barnsley was in the Championship instead of League One.”
Williams joined Barnsley in the summer of 2018 as a teenager from Huddersfield, and he made 201 appearances for the team.
Additionally, the defender, who made 52 appearances for Fratton Park in the 2023–24 season, inked a three-year contract on Friday.
“Jordan’s a good guy; he can be vocal and speaks well, but he also leads by being very professional,” Giddings continued.
You have, without a doubt, signed a talented athlete. He has consistently been one of Barnsley’s best players, so it should come as no surprise that he finished back in the Championship after his contract expired.
Although he has a lot of experience and has made a lot of appearances, he is comfortable at this level but still has potential to grow.
“Considering how everything fits together, I think Pompey has a good player there.”
