Walsall midfielder Charlie Lakin lists key ingredient behind recent performances
Charlie Lakin insists the competition for places in midfield has helped "raise his levels" at Walsall this term.
Lakin has emerged as an unsung hero in Walsall's early season success after starting 16 of their opening 18 league games.
The midfielder has been an ever-present amid competition from the likes of Jamie Jellis, Brandon Comley, Ryan Stirk, Jack Earing and George Hall.
He has scored just once in the league so far this term but has played a key role in helping propel Walsall to the League Two summit.
And Lakin feels the strong competition across the midfield, and the rest of the squad, will be crucial in helping them reach their goal of achieving promotion.
He said: "To have a team that wants to achieve promotion and get out of the league and win titles, you need competition within a squad.
"There's no point having a strong starting XI and then a weak bench. Or a strong 12 or 13 and then the rest is weak.
"You don't really win competitions and wins leagues by doing that. So it's good and healthy that we do have that competition within the squad.
"There's no bad eggs around the squad so whether you're playing or not, you're still supporting each other through everything.
"I feel like the togetherness we've got this season will help us when we're working towards what we're trying to achieve.
"It boosts your level and it boosts people around you to get the best out of everyone and the team."
