Wanderers boss Ian Evatt says Shola Shoretire is one of the most talented players he has worked with since becoming a manager.
The Manchester United loanee has already shown glimpses of what he is capable of since his arrival at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Shoretire is available for this afternoon’s clash with Cheltenham despite coming off with a back issue against Charlton last time out.
Evatt reckons there is lots more to come from the 19-year-old and hopes he can play an important role during the final months of the season as the Whites aim to consolidate their place in the top six.
“He is an exceptional talent, I can’t sit here and say otherwise,” said the Bolton boss. “There are still parts of his game that he needs to improve. There are still parts I want to see more consistently.
“But he is a really talented boy, one of the most talented players that I have coached so far, and I can see that already.
“We were excited to get him in and I think he has shown in the glimpses we have seen in those two games exactly what he is going to bring to the table.
“There is lots more to come from him but he is enjoying himself. He is enjoying his football, he is very respectful of the team he is in and wants to learn and improve along the way.”
Shoretire was brought in to play the number 10 role at Wanderers but was used alongside Dion Charles at the Valley.
Evatt described the youngster as an “intelligent” player and hopes he can help the Whites unlock stubborn defences in the coming weeks and months.
He added: “He can play nine, seven, 11, 10 – good football players can. But what I like about him the most is how intelligent he is at picking up space, and his awareness of when he is in space. He knows when he needs to lay off, he knows when he needs to turn or pass.
“He is just a really intelligent footballer. He just sees pictures and you can’t that to everyone.
“The small details like the pass for when Dion hit the bar (at Charlton). Everyone would think that is a routine pass but it was the timing of the pass.
“It was the way he counter-pressed initially, which was really pleasing because that is a part of his game he needs to improve. Waiting for the defender to step to him and then playing the pass, knowing that he couldn’t recover - just those fine bits of detail and real quality.
“We are really lucky to have him and I am excited to work with him.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel