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Erhun Oztumer: Walsall starting to show true potential

Erhun Oztumer believes improving Walsall are now starting to show their true potential.

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After a mixed start to the season, the Saddlers have now lost just once in their last nine outings – with their performance in their 2-0 win at Swindon arguably their best of the campaign so far.

Oztumer scooped the man-of-the-match award at the County Ground following an outstanding display which saw him grab a spectacular brace.

But the 25-year-old was more pleased with the team's overall display – with Walsall's number 10 believing the team is now clicking following 12 new arrivals in the summer.

"We are gelling and we now go into games expecting to get results and to play well," Oztumer said.

"We have always said it is going to take time. The manager is new to the job. Most of the players are new to the club.

"The system is new, we have changed formation and how we want to play a little bit. But we always knew it would click and we would get results.

"At Swindon we showed what we are capable of. It was a comfortable victory and I always felt we were in control.

"Fans want instant results and instant performances, but with so many new players coming in it takes time. But now, as a team, we have so much confidence."

Both Oztumer's goals in Wiltshire were spectacular with the first from 45 yards and the second a technically-perfect volley.

And the trickster admitted he was delighted to net the first brace of his professional career.

"The first goal is good pressing from the whole team," Oztumer continued.

"I've read where the defender was going to play the ball and I've seen the goalkeeper off his line – tried my luck and it's gone in.

"But we do our research. We knew the keeper likes to come out, be an extra player and come off his line.

"The second was a good pass from Kevin Toner. I've seen the keeper running towards me so I've just tried to guide it past him.

"The pass made the goal really. But it was my first brace in the Football League so I was very proud."

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