Ebbsfleet United’s Finlay Barnes the complete package, says boss Josh Wright after midfielder’s off-the-ball improvements

Ebbsfleet manager Josh Wright hailed the improvement in Finlay Barnes - but reckons it’s not just his goals that are catching the eye.

Midfielder Barnes took his tally for the campaign to seven in league and cup after scoring twice in the 2-2 draw at Chelmsford in National League South on Monday.

But it’s not just his improvement in front of goal that has impressed the Fleet boss.

“He’s a little magician and he’s a top player,” stated Wright.

“When you’ve got a player in that position who’s that good, if they’ve got the final end product as well with the goals, then you’ve got a proper player.

“I’ve known how good Barnes has been for a long time. It was a little bit stop-start last year and [he was] in and out with the competition, but he’s stamped his authority this season.

“I like what he’s doing, of course, in terms of his ability, his goals and his flair and what he gives the team. But I’m loving what he’s doing out of possession as well.

“He’s competing, he’s jumping, he’s landing on second balls, he’s pressing. At the moment, he’s looking like an all-round player and I’m really pleased with him.”

Wright admitted that it was Barnes’ game off the ball that needed to match his quality on it.

There’s no doubting the quality of his left foot but he’s added more to his game in the opening months of the season.

“I don’t mind saying that it’s more a little bit [about] that other side of the game,” added Wright.

“Not so much work rate, but just knowing it doesn’t matter who you are, what size you are, what position you play. You have to do the other side. You have to do the dirty stuff.

Read more: Wright says credit where credit’s due

Read more: Barnes on adding more goals to his game

“He’s showing that. When he’s