Coventry-born Bates has started all of the last five all-competition games and, unless the FA's dubious goals panel decide to intervene, scored his first professional goal during last weekend's Emirates FA Cup - First Round draw with Darlington.
Sadler, who captained the side on Saturday afternoon, praised the 18-year-old for his bravery and performances in recent weeks and is keen to help guide him through his first full season in the EFL.
Speaking via the club's official website, Mat said; "Alfie Bates is a fantastic example of someone who wants to do well for the football club and improve and impress. He’s shown some real courage at times, getting on the ball and I don’t want to ignore that so I’ll reiterate to him how well I think he’s doing.
"The lad fires some balls out of play but then he gets straight back on the ball and tries to win it back and make another pass and that takes some courage.
"It’s my job, I’ll take it on to remind him how well I think he’s doing, it’s his first season in the Football League and he’s doing himself real justice so amongst all of this it’s about reminding people how much of an impact they can have and I think Alfie Bates is doing really well for himself."