Walsall wizard Erhun Oztumer will get better every year

The 26-year-old has been in sensational form for the Saddlers since joining from Peterborough in June 2016.

Oztumer netted a career best 15 goals last season and already has 10 in the current campaign.

And the playmaker admitted he is determined to keep improving his goal tally year-on-year.

“My first year as a professional at Peterborough I scored one goal,” he said.

“My second year I scored six and last year for Walsall I got 15.

“Hopefully this year I can exceed 15.

“I feel every year my love for football and fight to win gets stronger.

“My attitude to be better grows every year and what’s really pleasing for me is I’m scoring different types of goals this year.

“Some have been in the box, some outside the box. There have been free-kicks and penalties.

“They are coming from all angles and distances. I’m really happy to help the team with my goals and I’m delighted I’m on track to hit my target.”

Oztumer has netted some spectacular long range strikes in his time as Walsall player.

As well as scoring from 40 yards against Swindon and Bolton last season, the Wizard of Oz also netted form a similar distance in the recent win over AFC Wimbledon.

But despite his catalogue of wonder goals, Oztumer revealed he doesn’t actually practice shooting from so far out.

“Those goals were all about timing, confidence and just believing in yourself,” he said.

“I don’t practice them but I know I’ve got it in my locker – so why not have a try?

“I feel I’ve got the respect from my team-mates and manager that if I do have a pop from 30 yards, they won’t really say anything because of previous goals and performances.

“It’s other types of finishes that I work hard to practice.

“After training this year I have actually been practicing side-footing it from 10 yards into the corners – like I did against Bury.

“Tap-ins mean the same as 35-yarders and it’s nice to score from all angles.”