Home
Phil Parkinson wants to give Josh Vela more freedom to become a dominant figure in Wanderers’ midfield.
The Whites boss has been delighted with his midfielder’s form since tying him down to a new two-year contract at the Macron Stadium.
Vela has been given extra responsibility in the last couple of weeks – and Parkinson feels he is now starting to realise his potential.
“I think now he’s been given more a licence to roam forward and I think that really brought something out of him at Swindon last weekend,” the manager told The Bolton News.
“He’s got great running power and the physical stats in training are always high, his ability to cover the ground is exceptional.
“We took the reins off him a little bit at the weekend and gave him the freedom to get forward – which I think he enjoyed.
“I think he thoroughly deserved a new contract and it looks like he has got a lift from that. We need him to keep going because he’s a player of real potential.”
Wanderers face Oldham Athletic this afternoon seeking a third successive win in all competitions.
Parkinson has hinted he could name an attack-minded side against the Latics, who have proved a tough nut to crack away from home for the last 12 months.
Sammy Ameobi is pushing for a recall after changing the game in Wanderers’ favour at Swindon last weekend and could come into a three-pronged attack alongside Zach Clough and Gary Madine.
But Vela has also been challenged to prove he can lead the charge for the Whites and add to the two goals he has already scored this season.
“I talk to Josh about maintaining an impact in games,” Parkinson said. “When I first came in I said he was of an age where he had to start taking a lead role, and I feel he’s coming more and more to the fore now.
“He is being more positive in possession, he is getting more touches of the ball, and they are the key things.
“He’s got that killer pass – and that all adds up.”
Source
The Whites boss has been delighted with his midfielder’s form since tying him down to a new two-year contract at the Macron Stadium.
Vela has been given extra responsibility in the last couple of weeks – and Parkinson feels he is now starting to realise his potential.
“I think now he’s been given more a licence to roam forward and I think that really brought something out of him at Swindon last weekend,” the manager told The Bolton News.
“He’s got great running power and the physical stats in training are always high, his ability to cover the ground is exceptional.
“We took the reins off him a little bit at the weekend and gave him the freedom to get forward – which I think he enjoyed.
“I think he thoroughly deserved a new contract and it looks like he has got a lift from that. We need him to keep going because he’s a player of real potential.”
Wanderers face Oldham Athletic this afternoon seeking a third successive win in all competitions.
Parkinson has hinted he could name an attack-minded side against the Latics, who have proved a tough nut to crack away from home for the last 12 months.
Sammy Ameobi is pushing for a recall after changing the game in Wanderers’ favour at Swindon last weekend and could come into a three-pronged attack alongside Zach Clough and Gary Madine.
But Vela has also been challenged to prove he can lead the charge for the Whites and add to the two goals he has already scored this season.
“I talk to Josh about maintaining an impact in games,” Parkinson said. “When I first came in I said he was of an age where he had to start taking a lead role, and I feel he’s coming more and more to the fore now.
“He is being more positive in possession, he is getting more touches of the ball, and they are the key things.
“He’s got that killer pass – and that all adds up.”
Source
