Walsall FC, who finished fourth, 16th, 16th and 19th in the last four seasons, respectively, are currently fourth on the League Two table and are unbeaten in the last five league games.
This is thanks largely to Nathan Lowe, the centre-forward on loan from Stoke City.
Lowe has been one of the best players at Walsall this season and in the entire league.
The below radar highlights Lowe’s numbers from this season compared to the other centre-forwards competing in leagues that are on par with League Two.
Nathan Lowe Radar Map
Having been part of Stoke City’s setup for over eight years, Lowe stepped up to senior football during the 2022/23 season and was gradually integrated into the first-team setup last season.
On loan at Walsall, the 19-year-old has the joint-most goal contributions in the league with seven goals and three assists.
With an xG goal tally of just 4.87, Lowe has proven to be an excellent finisher.
He is the only teenage player in League Two with five or more goals so far this term.
Lowe ranks among the best for the shot conversion metric in League Two.
Walsall are also unbeaten in the league games that Lowe has scored.
Nathan Lowe’s activity has mostly been in the box, closer to the penalty area, like a ‘fox in the box’.
He ranks high for Touches in the box per 90 minutes (3.97).
He does not also share a lot of defensive burden, as his teammates behind him form one of the best defensive units in the league.
Lowe’s availability has also been a positive for his club, having started every game since Matchweek 5.
Nathan Lowe’s unexpected yet excellent start to the season has helped Walsall push above the weight.
If the 19-year-old’s form continues, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the club return to League One for the first time since 2019.
