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Zach Clough is fast becoming a more complete player in his new left-wing berth, says Wanderers boss Phil Parkinson.
Despite creating two goals in Sunday’s 3-2 FA Cup win over Sheffield United to set up a third-round meeting with Crystal Palace, it was the youngster’s defensive work which had his manager applauding.
Clough has formed an effective partnership down the left flank with Andy Taylor and Parkinson believes the experienced full-back has been a good influence on the Whites academy graduate.
“I think he gives him good information, he’s experienced and a good communicator,” Parkinson told The Bolton News. “But you have got to want to do the hard work and I think Zach is getting better at that side of the game.
“We found it difficult to get going in the first half because there was a strong wind and a few passes were going astray but when Zach tracked the full-back all the way to block a cross, that’s called staying in the game, doing your job for the team.
“We have been trying to put that into him. We know he has got immense quality but he is getting better at the other side of the game as well.
“When you do that, you don’t half get appreciated by your team-mates and by the fans, because they see all that as well.”
Clough broke through into the senior ranks last year as a number 10, playing in behind a bigger striker. But he has spoken recently about feeling more freedom in a left-sided role, which allows him to cut infield and run at his opponents.
Parkinson has been pleased with the 21-year-old’s attitude since overcoming injury problems which affected his pre-season.
Clough has scored seven goals in his last 11 games but his manager has been equally impressed by his work-rate in recent weeks.
“If you want to progress in football, whether as a number 10 or in a front three as you are playing at the moment, you have to be part of the team without the ball as well,” he said. “He is getting better and better at it.
“There is absolutely no doubting his quality in the final third, that is something you cannot teach Zach Clough because he’s got that calmness and coolness which is top class.”
Josh Vela has also caught the eye with his recent performances, putting two home-grown players right at the forefront of Wanderers’ fine form this season.
The midfielder – who has moved into Clough’s number 10 role and scored five goals so far this season – signed a new contract at the start of the season to underline his commitment to the cause.
“It is great to see those two leading the way and restoring the pride in the Bolton shirt,” Parkinson said. “It’s good for the academy as well because a lot of people have put a lot of work into players at that level and it’s great to see them flourish.”
At the back, Wanderers boast the best defensive record in all four divisions and now have Mark Beevers up for November’s Sky Bet League One player of the month award.
The big defender has been a consistently reliable customer at centre-half, forging a rock-solid partnership with David Wheater.
And while Parkinson is happy with what he has seen so far, he is not about to let any headlines get to his players’ heads.
“We’re pleased with the fact we’ve got a good defensive record and that people are saying nice things about us, and we’re pleased that the lads have been working so hard on the training pitch – they have to continue to do so,” he said. “If attacking players start thinking they’ve cracked it when they start scoring goals, you can bet your life the run will soon come to an end. You get out what you put in.
“Defenders are no different. They have to make sure they are completely prepared for every team they come up against.
“As a staff we have got a responsibility to get the players prepared. Me, Steve (Parkin), Kristian Aldred the analyst, everything has got to be completely right.”
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Despite creating two goals in Sunday’s 3-2 FA Cup win over Sheffield United to set up a third-round meeting with Crystal Palace, it was the youngster’s defensive work which had his manager applauding.
Clough has formed an effective partnership down the left flank with Andy Taylor and Parkinson believes the experienced full-back has been a good influence on the Whites academy graduate.
“I think he gives him good information, he’s experienced and a good communicator,” Parkinson told The Bolton News. “But you have got to want to do the hard work and I think Zach is getting better at that side of the game.
“We found it difficult to get going in the first half because there was a strong wind and a few passes were going astray but when Zach tracked the full-back all the way to block a cross, that’s called staying in the game, doing your job for the team.
“We have been trying to put that into him. We know he has got immense quality but he is getting better at the other side of the game as well.
“When you do that, you don’t half get appreciated by your team-mates and by the fans, because they see all that as well.”
Clough broke through into the senior ranks last year as a number 10, playing in behind a bigger striker. But he has spoken recently about feeling more freedom in a left-sided role, which allows him to cut infield and run at his opponents.
Parkinson has been pleased with the 21-year-old’s attitude since overcoming injury problems which affected his pre-season.
Clough has scored seven goals in his last 11 games but his manager has been equally impressed by his work-rate in recent weeks.
“If you want to progress in football, whether as a number 10 or in a front three as you are playing at the moment, you have to be part of the team without the ball as well,” he said. “He is getting better and better at it.
“There is absolutely no doubting his quality in the final third, that is something you cannot teach Zach Clough because he’s got that calmness and coolness which is top class.”
Josh Vela has also caught the eye with his recent performances, putting two home-grown players right at the forefront of Wanderers’ fine form this season.
The midfielder – who has moved into Clough’s number 10 role and scored five goals so far this season – signed a new contract at the start of the season to underline his commitment to the cause.
“It is great to see those two leading the way and restoring the pride in the Bolton shirt,” Parkinson said. “It’s good for the academy as well because a lot of people have put a lot of work into players at that level and it’s great to see them flourish.”
At the back, Wanderers boast the best defensive record in all four divisions and now have Mark Beevers up for November’s Sky Bet League One player of the month award.
The big defender has been a consistently reliable customer at centre-half, forging a rock-solid partnership with David Wheater.
And while Parkinson is happy with what he has seen so far, he is not about to let any headlines get to his players’ heads.
“We’re pleased with the fact we’ve got a good defensive record and that people are saying nice things about us, and we’re pleased that the lads have been working so hard on the training pitch – they have to continue to do so,” he said. “If attacking players start thinking they’ve cracked it when they start scoring goals, you can bet your life the run will soon come to an end. You get out what you put in.
“Defenders are no different. They have to make sure they are completely prepared for every team they come up against.
“As a staff we have got a responsibility to get the players prepared. Me, Steve (Parkin), Kristian Aldred the analyst, everything has got to be completely right.”
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