Brian Dutton: Walsall forwards can't be scared to pull the trigger
Walsall manager Brian Dutton is pleased with the progress he is seeing in Emmanuel Osadebe – but has called on his forwards not to be ‘reluctant’ to shoot.
The 24-year-old has struggled to make an impact this season, registering zero goals or assists in 27 games in all competitions.
On Saturday, however, he played as part of a front three and put in one of his best performances to date, adding a creative flair to the attack, and Dutton can see an improvement in the player.
“There’s a top, top player in Emmanuel Osadebe,” Dutton said. “He’s on the periphery, he’s training fantastic. He’s a street footballer for me, who needs coaching, and he’s learned really quickly in the short time I’ve been head coach.
“You can see that in that performance. He is so willing, has the heart of a lion and is player that I’m really looking forward to finishing the season with.”
Midfielder Liam Kinsella echoed his manager’s comments, praising the ‘outstanding’ Osadebe.
“He was brilliant,” Kinsella said. “He got into positions between their midfield and defence brilliantly. He got on the ball and created chances for us.
“He was top class and probably one of his best performances.
“We see him every day in training and you can see he’s got the talent, he’s brilliant. Some games it hasn’t worked out for him and he had to be patient and wait for his next chance. He was outstanding.”
Osadebe was unfortunate not to add his first Walsall goal in the 1-0 loss, as the Saddlers put in an improved performance.
Despite having 11 shots, however, they only registered two on target as the strikers squandered a handful of chances to take aim.
League Two top goalscorer Paul Mullin eventually added an injury-time winner and Dutton admits the confidence is low among is forwards.
“Mullin is the top goalscorer because he pulls the trigger, he doesn’t hesitate,” Dutton added. “In the final third at the minute we’re a little bit reluctant to pull the trigger or reluctant to be ultra positive and make something happen. Confidence is low for us at the top end of the pitch but it’s my job to bring that out of them and no doubt we will because we have good quality players up there.”
Kinsella added: “We get into good positions and in the box but maybe with chances to shoot we’re turning them down.
“The strikers are still confident, they’re a top strikers and score goals, once they find the back of the net once they’ll start scoring goals.”
