How Daniel Kanu's Walsall numbers compare with Nathan Lowe and Freddie Draper

Danny Johnson also hit 15 goals in all competitions in 2022-23 under Michael Flynn, before a less successful return when he joined permanently. 

Here is a breakdown of how Kanu's numbers (in the league only) compare to Lowe and Draper after 11 appearances.

Goals, Goals, Goals

Kanu has hit the ground running on the goal scoring front since arriving on loan from Charlton Athletic in the wake of Jonny Stuttle's ACL injury in August. 

The Sierra Leone striker has scored six times in all competitions, including five in 11 games in the league.  

Taking just League Two into account, Lowe had netted six at this stage, averaging 0.63 goals per 90, and Draper had notched five: 0.51 per 90. 

In terms of direct goal involvements, Kanu still trails his two predecessors with Lowe posting 0.95 goal involvements (six goals, three assists) per 90, with Draper behind him with 0.72 (five goals, two assists).

Best runs

Kanu followed in the footsteps of Lowe by scooping the EFL Young Player of the Month in September. 

That award came off the back of his run of scoring in three successive games - wins over Chesterfield and Tranmere Rovers, as well as the leveller in a draw at Fleetwood Town.

Draper's best run came over the course of just two games. Isaac Hutchinson netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Gillingham in October 2023, with the Lincoln City loanee scoring the other. 

Aged just 19 at the time, Draper scored a memorable treble the following week, as Walsall came from behind three times to draw 3-3 in Newport.

But the best run proved to be Lowe's parting gift. He scored a remarkable six goals in his final five appearances for the club, which helped the Saddlers set a club record nine-match winning streak.

Converting chances 

All three strikers have managed to outscore their xG tally, but Lowe was by far the most clinical. 

In fact, Lowe emerged with +2.13 goals than expected from his first 11 games, as Draper also posted a strong score of +1.53. 

Kanu currently has an xG of 4.8, leaving him +0.2 above his expected total.

Importance to the team 

Lowe's recall by Stoke City was highlighted as a major factor behind the Saddlers' promotion collapse last season, but Draper actually scored the highest percentage of Walsall's games in the first 11 games in the past three seasons. 

It's worth mentioning that Walsall had netted just 19 goals after an indifferent start in 2023-24 - seven fewer than last season (26), and four fewer than the current campaign (23).

However, Draper did only play just over an hour in his first two league appearances, after missing their 2-1 defeat at Morecambe on the opening day due to suspension.