Walsall defender Oisin McEntee hailed as a "chameleon" of a defender
Mat Sadler has described Oisin McEntee as a "chameleon of a defender" after a string of top drawer performances for Walsall.
McEntee has been one of the standout players for Walsall since returning to the back-line during the Saddlers' 2-0 win over Morecambe in February.
The Irishman has started eight of the last nine games in League Two and has particularly come to the fore over the past three games.
His qualities are distinctively evident from the naked eye but the numbers only further demonstrate his red hot run of form.
In the draw at Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday, McEntee registered the joint-most interceptions (four), tackles won (four) and blocks (one).
He also set-up Taylor Allen's ninth goal of the campaign during the first half and Sadler feels that his attacking qualities can often be overlooked.
"He is playing so well. His delivery from wide areas is maybe something that is overlooked. He drives into that space," Sadler argued.
"Darren Byfield calls him the chameleon of a defender because whatever he comes up against, he seems to have the ability to understand what is required.
"I think he is a fantastic person but he is also an excellent defender."
But McEntee also came out on top in a number of metrics in the previous draws against Wimbledon and Gillingham.
He won more duels (10) than anyone on the pitch against the Wombles and the most headed clearances (seven) in the goalless stalemate at Gillingham.
His attacking qualities were hailed last season after he notched six goals from midfield before his season was curtailed by a serious hamstring injury on Boxing Day.
The 24-year-old has also had long spells in central midfielder this season including in the final three games of the Saddlers' club record nine-match league winning streak.
When asked if his experienced playing further up the pitch has helped him become a more accomplished defender, Sadler preferred to point to the fact that his increased game time has been more instrumental.
Stats vs Wimbledon
- 10 duels won (1st)
- 4 headed clearance (=1st)
- 9 aerial duels won (=1st)
Stats vs Gillingham
- 3 tackles won (=1st)
- 9 clearances (=1st)
- 7 headed clearances (1st)
- 13 duels won (=1st)
"Maybe," Sadler responded. "There is the element of playing regularly in that position.
"For the first 30 games of the season, we were very settled with that back-line and then as things switched and changes, he has got regular game time.
"And you can see that he is going from strength to strength as a defender but also an attacking impetus."
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