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Burnley have completed a master-stroke by inking a new deal with this seven-goal striker – Agreed?

Ashley Barnes

Burnley have completed a master-stroke by inking a new deal with this seven-goal striker – Agreed?

Burnley striker Ashley Barnes has extended his contract with the club, signing until 2021 after it emerged that his current deal was set to expire at the end of the season.

“I think I am playing some of my best football, but I’ve still got a lot to come,” Barnes was quoted by BBC.

“I’m still learning. I learn every day on the training ground.”

Barnes’ signing a new deal will be music to the ears of Burnley fans. The striker has been in really good form this season, netting 7 goals so far, including one in each of his last three appearances.

The 28-year-old is a very popular and admirable figure amongst the Burnley fans and has been a different player as Sean Dyche’s men have done exceedingly well this season.

Being labelled by many as an old-school striker, Barnes has proven his detractors wrong by leading the Clarets’ attack very well by adding different facets to his game. He is quite a handful for opponent defenders and has time and again demonstrated his quality in linking-up play well with other attackers.

The former non-league striker has taken his game to a new level this campaign, making him one of the dangerous strikers to face in the Premier League. He makes his presence felt and capitalises on any space given by the defenders, which makes the striker a tough character to man-mark.

The former Brighton man isn’t just a single-edged sword and offers plenty more than mere physicality. Barnes has made the most use of summer signing Chris Woods’ injury, netting goals at Old Trafford and the Etihad this campaign.

A very good finisher, Barnes may not be the quickest or cleverest striker, but he more than makes up for it with his strength and temperament. He has the ability to become more of a threat if he continues to score consistently for Burnley.

Barnes is strong and can play with his back facing the goal. He is a more than adept finisher as well and provides an added thrust to Dyche’s team. He has managed to keep Wales international Sam Vokes on the bench and remains determined to do his best to hold on to the shirt.

Be it the tactics or the general work ethic of the club, Barnes seems to be enjoying life at Burnley and the results are quite evident on the field. He has scored seven goals so far and there is no doubt more will arrive before the end of the season.

Currently gracing the 7th spot in the league standings, Dyche’s men stand a pretty good chance of fighting till the end to grab a Europa League spot next season.

Hence, in a situation like that, they will need an attacker they can rely on and from what we have seen, Barnes is absolutely the right player for the Clarets.