Home
Wellington Silva has found it difficult to find his true calling at Wanderers, says Jimmy Phillips.
Billed as a match-winner by Neil Lennon on his arrival from Arsenal, the on-loan winger has ended up being more of a match-watcher after struggles with form and fitness.
Wellington showed a glimpse of his promise with two goals in an impressive first half against Manchester City EDS in midweek for the under-21s on his return from a groin strain which had kept him out for the last seven games.
Whether he makes the bench against Fulham remains to be seen, with medical staff assessing his reaction from the Manchester Senior Cup semi-final clash before deciding on whether he features at all at Craven Cottage.
But the Brazilian has started a disappointing 17 games in league and cup this season and Phillips admits the environment at Wanderers has not been ideal for his development away from the Premier League.
“It’s been a big culture change from Spain, which is where he’s played most of his football,” the interim boss told The Bolton News.
“There’s no doubting he has ability and skill on the ball. But where he fits into a team which is struggling at the wrong end of the table has been more his problem – which formation a manager plays him in.
“He’ll be going back to Arsenal with a bit more experience under his belt and hopefully that will do him good, but it has been difficult for him.”
Source
Billed as a match-winner by Neil Lennon on his arrival from Arsenal, the on-loan winger has ended up being more of a match-watcher after struggles with form and fitness.
Wellington showed a glimpse of his promise with two goals in an impressive first half against Manchester City EDS in midweek for the under-21s on his return from a groin strain which had kept him out for the last seven games.
Whether he makes the bench against Fulham remains to be seen, with medical staff assessing his reaction from the Manchester Senior Cup semi-final clash before deciding on whether he features at all at Craven Cottage.
But the Brazilian has started a disappointing 17 games in league and cup this season and Phillips admits the environment at Wanderers has not been ideal for his development away from the Premier League.
“It’s been a big culture change from Spain, which is where he’s played most of his football,” the interim boss told The Bolton News.
“There’s no doubting he has ability and skill on the ball. But where he fits into a team which is struggling at the wrong end of the table has been more his problem – which formation a manager plays him in.
“He’ll be going back to Arsenal with a bit more experience under his belt and hopefully that will do him good, but it has been difficult for him.”
Source