Walsall Head Coach Brian Dutton labelled Emmnauel Osadebe as a ‘phenomenal talent’ after Tuesday night’s victory over Tranmere Rovers.
The 24-year-old scored a stunning winner with a firecracker from 25-yards as he celebrated signing his new deal in style.
Dutton has been delighted with Osadebe and the Saddlers Head Coach has challenged the midfielder to become a great goalscorer after seeing what he produced against Tranmere and in training.
“I was right behind it and I’ve seen what this lad can do in training and that’s why I signed him,” Dutton said.
“He’s a phenomenal talent. How we picked him up off the couch without a club is beyond me because he’s exceptional.
“He’s a player who can really progress his career, all he’s got to do is knuckle down, all he’s got to do is focus and concentrate on making a career for himself because he can go right through the levels if he wishes.
“He’s a player who covers 12km more or less every game, his high-speed running is off the charts so that alone out of possession is phenomenal.
“It couldn’t be more apt timing signing a new contract and then goes and announces himself like that. What I want from Manny is he’s a scorer of great goals but I want him to be a great goal scorer.
“He’s got the worldies in the locker but I want the tap-ins and that will come with coaching and development, but you couldn’t ask for anymore from him could you.”
Dutton was full of praise for his players after they stretched their unbeaten run to six with their second successive win.
While Tranmere probably shaded the first half, Dutton felt the Saddlers were full value for their victory after a much improved second half display.
“It was a game of two halves, first half I got it wrong,” he admitted.
“I went with a back three and it didn’t work what I was looking for so I made the adjustments at half time and I thought the lads came out in the second half a lot fresher and got their second wind as well.
“They put a lot into the previous game, emotionally and physically and I think that showed in the first half but in the second half, I think we stamped our authority on the game, created opportunities, got on the front foot and fully deserved the win.”
“The lads deserve that; we’ve been on the wrong side of bad luck.
“The referee decisions, the games we should have won, that has been coming. I’m absolutely delighted for the boys because they truly deserve it.
“They’ve had a lot of stick, as have I but we’ve kept our heads down, focused on football. I say to the boys a great saying that I love is that adversity introduces a man to himself.
“Those lads can look in the mirror and be proud as punch because their attitude and application through this real storm has been first class and they truly deserve those victories in the last two games.”
Attention now turns to Saturday as the Saddlers take on Colchester United.
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