Walsall's Connor Barrett is the "best" wing-back in League Two - Mat Sadler
Mat Sadler has hailed Connor Barrett as the "best" wing-back in League Two - but feels he can get even better at Walsall.
The 23-year-old rescued a 1-1 draw for Walsall against Crawley Town at the Broadfield Stadium, after cutting inside to equalise in the 53rd-minute.
That extended his tally to three goals in League Two this term, and he has also chipped in with two assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.
Barrett is 'the best' in League Two
"He's the best [right wing-back in the division]. There is absolutely no doubt about that," boss Sadler declared.
"I am in no way shape or form hesitant in answering that question in that way because he is the best."
Barrett, who joined Walsall from non-league AFC Fylde in 2023, has been directly involved in 15 goals (three goals, 12 assists) in 66 appearances for the club in total.
Sadler still eager to maximise Barrett's talents
Sadler feels there is still plenty of scope for improvement in his game and hopes to continue maximising his talents after his excellent start to the season.
"But when he isn't himself, he's not the best, which are the two sides of him that we saw today [in the draw at Crawley]," he added.
"You saw it in the previous Saturday against Bristol Rovers, what an incredible impact he has both defensively and offensively.
"The only unlucky thing for us is that Connor had worked so hard, and the key for me, is how do we keep stretching his ability to just keep doing those things.
"Because you just want him to do it more. You just want more of it, but Connor can be whatever he wants to be."
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