It appears that the Rory Holden featuring for Walsall won’t be for some time. Rory is seeing specialists and doctors to get to the route of the problem that has kept him off the pitch for quite some time. However is the pressure off him and the team because of an emerging player?
Transitioning to the EFL well
Jack Earing has had a good start to life at Walsall. When he was signed in the summer, many fans saw him as a backup to Holden, who would take the pressure off a player who has had his injury concerns. He has featured in all six league games, and has started the last four. His increase in playing time early on has been a mixture of things. Holden has not been able to play, which has opened up a spot that Osadebe just hasn’t performed well in. This has meant Earing has had his opportunity, and he has seized it.
Earing featured in the No10 role for Halifax, where he thrived. This is where he is now playing for Walsall, and the transition into the EFL has been seamless for him. Saturday’s Man of the Match performance typified his good start to the season, and has smart goal was something Walsall fans will be looking to see more of. At present, there isn’t an out and out goalscorer in the team, however if Earing can replicate his form from last season, it will go a long way in helping the Saddlers win games.
There was a worry that Earing would need to take time to adjust to life in the EFL. However he has continued to ride the wave of his form in the National League. He is good on the ball, can pick out a good pass, and as proved on Saturday, can make good runs into the box to add goals to his game.
Too much too soon?
Things won’t always be this good for Earing. He is still young and is not used to playing a lot of games in a season at this level. It is tough to ask him to be the main man in the No10 role, however at present, their aren’t any better options. Osadebe hasn’t shown enough to play, Holden is injured, and Wilkinson playes better either further forward, or on the right.
Asking too much too soon for Earing will either see him thrive, or decline. At the moment, he is thriving in the team, and by getting regular action. He has shown he has the talent to be a key player for Walsall, but it will be down to Taylor and the coaches to nurture him well, and make sure he doesn’t burn out in what is only his second season of regular first team football.
