Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt has praised Manchester United loanee Shola Shoretir.
Evatt was already full of praise shortly after the transfer of the United academy graduate was confirmed, paying tribute to his playing intelligence and attitude.
And he was on top again after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Derby County in EFL League One, during which Shoretir showed some glimpses of what he has to offer.
Evatt believes it is only a matter of time before the playmaker becomes a key player for Bolton as they seek promotion to the Championship.
“We’ve never had a perfect attacking number 10 who could take the ball in such tight areas, be at half-turn, who we could trust enough to get it when he’s in opposition,” Evatt told The Bolton News.
“Provided we pass in detail, from the safe side of the markers, we can give him the ball, and he can be reliable, he can create for us. It will come in time, but I saw glimpses of it on Saturday.
“We didn’t have anyone I would call a 360 degree player. Kieran Lee may be, but he’s not an absolute number 10, he’s actually an eight, but he can play 10 because of his intelligence.
“Shola brings a dynamic speed change; he can get away from markers. He can drive the ball and hit players, and when you face, as we did on Saturday, one-on-one pressure, you need people who can drive the ball and hit a person.”
Shoretire is clearly a player of whom Evatt is a big fan, and this certainly bodes well for the youngster’s development as he enjoys first-team football until the end of the season.
Although his Bolton debut came off the bench, he will soon be at the centre of his team’s promotion.
After that, he will strive to show Erik Ten Hag what he can bring to Manchester United.
The manager has already demonstrated his willingness to trust young players this season by giving debuts to Alejandro Garnacho and Cobby Mayne.
Shoal Shoretair certainly has many of the qualities that Ten Hag is looking for in his strikers.
