Joe Williams knows he could have made his Everton debut in recent weeks under caretaker boss David Unsworth if he was still at his parent club, but he says being on loan at Barnsley is 'the best decision I ever made.'
The 20-year-old has been an ever-present for theReds this season and scored his first career goal with a sensational 30-yard volley in the 4-2 success at Burton Albion on Tuesday. Several of his team-mates from the Everton youth system have been given their debuts under Unsworth, who is in temporary charge after Ronald Koeman was sacked, but Williams is happy to be at Oakwell for the season.
He told the Chronicle: "If I was there, I might have played under Unsy. He's a very good manager and I think should be considered for the job because I think he will help Everton. But, at the start of the season, I wanted to play and I wasn't going to sit around waiting. Coming to Barnsley is the best decision I have ever made and I have learned a lot. I don't know if Everton can call me back in January or not but all I want is to stay here for the full season."
Williams – who has mainly played as a holding midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 this season – did not see his fantastic goal, which made it 3-2 to the Reds, hit the back of the net as he had been flattened by a Burton challenge just after he shot.
"I took a chance to hit it. Their player clattered me and I landed on the floor then heard all the fans screaming. I wish I had seen it but I had to watch it on my phone afterwards.I have played higher up the pitch in my academy and reserves days and I have scored some decent goals.
"But I have tried to work on my shooting because I need to score goals, especially in a 4-4-2, and also because the lads all give me a bit of stick since I haven't scored and I don't get around the box. I hope it is the Goal of the Season so I can give them all a bit of banter. I have just been trying to do my job for the team and I think I have done well in defensive midfield. Goals are just a bonus but it was special to get one like that. I probably won't score many like that in my whole career."
Williams had never played a first team game before he arrived at Barnsley in the summer but has played every league minute so far this season, with only goalkeeper Adam Davies doing the same.
"I have loved it ever since I got here. The first minute I walked in the door I knew it was perfect for me. I am delighted to have played every minute, but I need to be at my best to stay in the team."
