Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth believes Chairboys defender Alfie Mawson is ‘the best centre half in League One’.
The 28-year-old kept his third clean sheet in 10 League One games since returning to Adams Park this summer in the club’s 1-0 away win against Oxford United on October 8.
His display at the Kassam Stadium also saw him produce a stunning assist for Chris Forino’s first goal of the campaign on 33 minutes.
The drilled assist scene is so hot right now pic.twitter.com/IKL2YD3Oux
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) October 8, 2022
The former Swansea City and Fulham man also put in numerous blocks to secure Wanderers’ first win at the stadium in eight years.
This ended a run of three league defeats along with their winless spell at Oxford, as they had not won in their previous four visits to the city.
Speaking on Mawson’s performance, Ainsworth said: “Alfie is the best centre half in League One.
“In his prime, he had an England call up and those moments are why he was called up and why he played in the Premier League.
This Alfie Mawson assist is outrageous.@Chrisforino2 is the toast of Wycombe this weekend!#OXFvWYC pic.twitter.com/pPqFPObFsN
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) October 9, 2022
“Injuries have really hurt his career but we are looking after him.
“He looks like a million dollars at the moment and credit to the medical team for that.
“With all the injuries that we have, people will be thinking ‘what’s going on?’ but they are keeping players like Alfie Mawson, Sam Vokes, Garath McCleary going on.
“They are sensational players for this team and Alfie has delivered with that brilliant pass.”
Alfie Mawson, that is filth 🤤 pic.twitter.com/BQjhmvQMLB
— Tyron 🏳️🌈 (@tlmfootball) October 8, 2022
READ MORE: Medical emergency overshadows Wycombe's first away win at Oxford since November 2014
Ainsworth also praised the performance of Chris Forino in the 1-0 victory.
The centre back’s first goal of the season was a brilliantly well-taken header from a zinger of a cross by Mawson, which resulted in Oxford keeper Simon Eastwood remaining stationary.
It was his third goal in 30 matches for the club.
On the goal, as well as the defensive display, Ainsworth continued: “I want to talk about the header from Chris Forino.
Absolute privilege watching Alfie Mawson every week again by the way. What a supremely talented defender. Unbelievable ping for the goal and won everything all day.
— Andy Kettlewell 🏴 (@Ketters1982) October 8, 2022
“There was so much to do with that, and the boy has been through the mill in his life, being released here there and everywhere, I thought he had a fantastic game.
“There are still several learning points but what header in a local derby at the main end, what a brilliant moment.
33 - Mawson pinged in a brilliant cross into the box and Forino smashed his header beyond Eastwood who was stationary. The CB celebrated his first goal of the season in front of the Oxford fans and Wanderers are one up. What a brilliant header! #OUFC #Chairboys
— James Richings (@James_BFP) October 8, 2022
🐂 0-1 🪑
“The win was absolutely brilliant.
“I’m proud of the boys and giving players like Jasper Pattenden and Tjay De Barr minutes as well was a real positive.”
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