Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell says he has been impressed with goalkeeper Joe Whitworth’s start to his spell at the League One side.
The 20-year-old moved to the Grecians on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace in July and has kept four clean sheets in eight games.
City have let in just one goal in their last four matches with only Stevenage and Wigan Athletic – who drew 0-0 with Exeter on Saturday – conceding fewer than their six League One goals.
“Joe’s been amazing since he came to the club,” Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon.
“His personality, his confidence in his own ability I think has really spread through the team.
“With his quality in possession I think he’s made us a better team in possession, we almost play with 10-and-a-half outfield players now with his quality.”
Whitworth arrived at Exeter having not played a league game since two matches in the Premier League for Crystal Palace in March 2023.
He became the club’s youngest-ever goalkeeper to play in a Premier League match when, aged 19. he started against Brighton and Arsenal after injuries to the Eagles’ other two senior goalkeepers Vicente Guaita and Sam Johnstone.
Despite his relative lack of senior football – he featured in just two EFL Trophy games for Palace’s Under-21 side last season – Caldwell feels he has thrived at St James Park this season.
“The saves he’s made recently, clean sheets, that’s what a goalie is there to do,” he said.
“To get four clean sheets in seven league games so far shows not only has ability, but the defensive set up of the team has been good.
“He can be really happy with his performances and he’s loving it.
“He’s loving playing games, that was what he wanted to do in terms of coming out on loan so hopefully long may that continue.”