Walsall Boss Mat Sadler Heaps Praise on Young Midfielder

Walsall Boss Mat Sadler Heaps Praise on Young Midfielder

Walsall manager Mat Sadler has lavished praise on young midfielder Alfie Chang after the 22-year-old scored his first senior goal in a crucial moment for the Saddlers’ promotion hopes.

 

Chang was instrumental in Walsall’s impressive 2-0 win over Chesterfield at the SMH Group Stadium on Sunday afternoon in the first leg of their League Two play-off semi-final. The midfielder doubled the Saddlers’ advantage midway through the second half, giving them a strong platform heading into the return leg at the Bescot Stadium.

 

Speaking after the match, Sadler couldn’t hide his admiration for the performance of the former Birmingham City academy graduate, who has made a significant impact since joining Walsall earlier in the season.

 

“Alfie was outstanding today,” Sadler said. “He’s a young man who has been quietly growing into this team over the last few months, and what you saw today was the product of that hard work and development. It was a composed finish, but more than that, his energy, his positioning, and his intelligence were spot on throughout.”

 

Chang’s goal came at a vital moment. With Walsall already 1-0 up thanks to a first-half strike from Freddie Draper, Chesterfield had begun to push forward in search of an equaliser. But in the 67th minute, Chang arrived late in the box to calmly slot home from the edge of the area after a well-worked team move, silencing the home crowd and giving Walsall breathing room.

 

“It’s every midfielder’s dream to get into the box and score in a big game like that,” said Sadler. “We know what Alfie brings to the table — his range of passing, his engine, and now he’s adding goals to his game. That’s what top midfielders do, and Alfie has the potential to be one.”

 

For Chang himself, the moment was special. Having worked his way back into regular first-team football following a serious injury that kept him sidelined for much of last season, the goal was a significant personal milestone.

 

“It’s a proud moment for me,” Chang said post-match. “I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and to score my first senior goal in a game of this importance is something I’ll never forget. The lads have been great with me since I came in, and I’m just happy I could help the team.”

 

Chang’s rise has not gone unnoticed among Walsall supporters, many of whom have highlighted his maturity and composure on the ball as key to the team’s recent form. The Saddlers have built momentum at exactly the right time, and with players like Chang stepping up, belief is growing that this could be the year they return to League One.

 

“There’s still a job to do,” Sadler reminded. “But tonight, we can enjoy a fantastic performance — and I’m delighted for Alfie. He deserves every bit of praise coming his way.”

 

The Saddlers will now prepare for the second leg at home, where a place at Wembley will be at stake — and if Chang’s form continues, he may well have a major say in where Walsall end up.

Read more on;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk