How Charlie Lakin is fast emerging as one of Walsall's key men this season
Walsall midfielder Charlie Lakin is the ultimate embodiment of a Mat Sadler player: determined, team-orientated, athletic and passionate.
It's also those exact same characteristics which have endeared him to the Walsall fanbase since his summer arrival in 2024.
Even on one of his rare off-days, Lakin never walks off a football pitch having given anything less than 110 per cent.
His match-winner at MK Dons consolidated a blistering start to the campaign for the 26-year-old, who also bagged an assist in the Saddlers' 2-1 triumph at Barnet on August 16.
Lakin's numbers in front of goal don't really jump off the page. He notched eight goals and five assists in just 21 games for relegated Sutton United in the second half of 2023-24, but has not come close to replicating those figures so far at Bescot.
His first season ended with four goals and two assists in 49 matches across all competitions, but his return of three goals in pre-season, has clearly boosted his confidence in the final third final.
Lakin aiming for 'double figures' at Walsall
