Erhun Oztumer targets double-figure goals tally for Walsall
Erhun Oztumer has challenged himself to get his goals tally into double figures in his first season as a Walsall player.
The creative schemer, who was snapped up from Peterborough in the summer, has impressed Saddlers fans during pre-season with some dazzling displays in the number 10 role.
Oztumer was signed by Jon Whitney after Romaine Sawyers opted to move to Brentford – with the boss going on record to state he believes the 25-year-old is the best number 10 in League One.
And now the tricky forward is hoping to repay his manager with a career high goals haul.
"Last year I got six at Peterborough so hopefully I can hit double figures this year – that's the aim," Oztumer said.
"I've been brought in to bring goals and assists to the team.
"I like to get on the ball as much as possible. Yeah, I'll lose it once or twice but I'll still want to get on it.
"I'm not shy of the ball and I want to cause defenders havoc.
"If I can score goals and assist goals that's going to help the team and it will bring us three points.
Oztumer had a number of clubs in the Football League chasing his signature once he had made up his mind to move on from London Road.
But he knew Walsall was the team for him after holding talks with Whitney.
"I came to meet him and I wanted to sign straight away," Oztumer continued.
"He's a motivator, and he knows what he wants.
"He said he wants exciting football, to play it from the back and keep the ball on the floor and that's music to my ears. Hopefully we will keep that going and do well this year."
Oztumer was nicknamed 'Turkish Messi' by Posh fans due to his small stature and close ball control.
And the London-born midfielder admits it's a nickname that makes him smile.
"It wasn't me that came up with it and it's a tough one to live with," Oztumer joked.
"There are worse players to be compared to though.
"But I'm just trying to be the best me I can be.
"I want to win games, please the fans and make all our us players happy."
