Yesterday, Walsall picked up their first three points under Brian Dutton, and their first since a 3-1 win against Port Vale on 23rd January. It was a welcome win for the side, and the players looked joyous at the final whistle. One thing that changed, was the formation, and with the personnel in that formation, it gives some hope that there is a core of the team to build around.
The formation
Brian Dutton lined his side up in a 4-3-3, that shifted to a 4-4-1-1 later on. At the start of the game, Osadebe formed part of the midfield three, whilst Holden played out wide with Wright. The team looked comfortable from front to back, and there were key players all over the pitch who could form the core of a good team.
The defence were protected well by Liam Kinsella, and Sam Perry. With these two players sitting a little deeper, it allowed Osadebe to help the attack. Dutton decided to go to a lone front man with wingers either side, as regular starter Lavery was missing through injury . The width in the team was key, and with Osadebe throught the middle, allowed for a variety of attacks. One thing that was apparent, was that the wingers were drifting inside when the attack was on the opposite side. This is the type of play that led to the goal, with Holden taking up a central role as the ball was moved down the left.
The formation gave the link between midfield and attack that has been missing for some time. It meant there was always an attacking central midfielder. As the game progressed, the attacking players shifted around to change the formation to a 4-4-1-1. Holden moved centrally, with Wright and Osadebe on the wings. Again, it left Walsall with three attacking midfielders, and two that were more defensive.
The players performed
The formation brought the best out of several of the team, with many looking much improved compared with recent weeks. The defence all played their part well. Sadler and Clarke have looked comfortable together in recent weeks, and continued with another fine display. Either side of them, were Melbourne and White. Melbourne appears to have overcome issues with ongoing effects of concussion, and will have the management thinking about his contract situation over the summer. Hayden White has steadily improved over recent weeks, and is getting to the level that he was at before injury at Mansfield, which is what all the Saddlers faithful were hoping for when he signed last year.
The midfield were fantastic. Perry and Kinsella battled well to win possession back several times. Kinsella did exactly what fans have come to expect, with a highly energetic performance, and Sam Perry showed that he can pass the ball well, and form the early part of an attack. Osadebe has started to really perform in recent weeks. It looks as though the run in the team has helped him settle, and he is now linking up well with his team-mates.
Wright and Holden give opposition defences different threats to deal with. Wright has raw pace and energy, and is very positive on the ball, where Holden is more reserved, and picks out the perfect pass. He looked the player that the side has been missing, and it now looks like the final few games of the season will be about keeping him fit, and ready for next season.
Up top, Gordon gave an energetic performance where he looked more like the player fans are used to. He had one golden opportunity that he put high and wide. This was his only real chance of the game, and missing in such a manner shows where his confidence levels are at.
Team to build around
Dutton getting his first win is huge. It takes away any slim threat of relegation, and gives the club a platform to go and end the season strongly from. The formation, and impressive performances are something to build around, as eyes are now firmly set for next campaign. This was by far the best team performance under Dutton, and the style, formation, system, and line-up are something that could be the Walsall identity that has been missing.
Holden’s return to the team has been huge, and providing he is here next season, will play a big role. It is up to Dutton to build around him, and a handful of others. Kinsella and Bates, who did not play yesterday, are both tied down, and Sam Perry is likely to either be under contract, or have a clause in the clubs favour. This suddenly increases the number of better players in the team.
It is unknown who makes up the full list of players signed up ready for the 21/22 season, but the defence have looked vastly improved in the last few games, and keeping Clarke, Sadler and White, whilst also trying to tie down Melbourne, would see a consistency taken through.
Whatever happens regarding renewals and departures, there are a couple of key first team players that are already tied down. The hope is, that when the Director Of Football is announced, that they can begin trying to keep hold of the players that are performing, and start searching for summer signings to fit an identity that the club want to pursue.
