Comment: Walsall 'reaping the reward' for early faith shown in Lewis Warrington
Mat Sadler wants athletes in his team and Walsall appear to have found another in the form of Lewis Warrington.
Warrington was thrown in at the deep end on his debut, stepping into the breach once Brandon Comley was given his early marching orders as early as the 21st minute on opening weekend.
He looked steady and plugged to gap to help a resilient Saddlers record their first conquest of the new season against Swindon Town at Bescot.
Sadler has largely preferred the 22-year-old to the more experienced Comley, even though he perhaps looked a little hesitant at times in certain games.
Walsall are beginning to reap the benefits for their early patience. Performances have gradually improved and his display in Walsall's 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town on Saturday was arguably his best yet.
Lewis Warrington 'reads the game very well' - Mat Sadler
The midfielder completed the most passes on the pitch for his side (27) and has recorded the most accurate passes per 90 for Walsall this season (25.3) - according to FotMob.
That is one of his key strengths: finding space and constantly offering a passing option, especially in a team that is not renowned for keeping possession.
"Lewis is playing very well. He gets us playing, he starts to dictate the play for us and reads the game very well," Sadler observed.
"He reads when to jump, when to press and when to drop in and protect the front."
The ex-Everton academy star is not only beginning to dictate from deep and offer a vital screen in front of the defence, but he is also growing in confidence in the final third too.
His floated cross to the back post ultimately led to Daniel Kanu's leveller in the first half at Fleetwood and he very nearly stole the headlines himself after the break.
Only the crossbar prevented the former Fleetwood loanee from rifling a rocket into the net from distance, but it's something Saddlers fans will be eager to see more of.
Walsall 'striking the right balance' in midfield
Sadler has so far struck upon a good balance with his midfield options, in particular the in-game rotation between Warrington and Comley.
This keeps the pair engaged, and ensures that both are at least satisfied with the fact they're contributing to the team on the pitch.
"I've been pleased with Lewis, as I have been with Brandon. He has come on in games, set the tempo again and moved the tempo forward," Sadler added.
"Both of them are playing really well and we're lucky to have them both."
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