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George Thomason says there can’t be a ‘comfort zone’ for Wanderers if they want to escape League One.
After rolling up their sleeves to win at Wycombe, and meeting more uncompromising opposition in Stevenage, Carlisle and Northampton in their last few games, Ian Evatt’s side go to Charlton this weekend expecting something more of a technical football match.
It may be viewed as a respite, especially considering the physicality of Tuesday night, but Thomason reckons Bolton are now learning how to mix up their approach better than ever before.
Michael Appleton’s Addicks – a team who utilise their wide players as effectively as anyone in the league, and who in Alfie May have a matchwinner on any give day – are also one of the division’s in-form sides at home.
So while Thomason might enjoy a passing game, he is encouraged to know that Wanderers are now able to mix and match.
“I don’t like getting aerial balled for 90 minutes, it is not fun, but you can see why it is effective,” he told The Bolton News.
“I think performances in first halves have been outstanding, no matter how the opposition have come up against us.
“I feel like there are some in-game decisions in the second half that are letting us down a bit at the moment and it is something we have to work on.
“When two teams try to play football in what we deem the right way then it is always a more exciting, open game, no doubt it will be better for the fans too.
“Sometimes you have to win ugly, you have to be together, gritty, determined, show passion and desire, and they should all be a given, shown in abundance. If the Plan A doesn’t work in possession and teams make it more difficult, then can you change things? If you show that fight in this division on top of the quality we have got, then you won’t go far wrong.”
Thomason too is hoping to show there is more depth to his game, given scope to push forward more in recent games.
With Kyle Dempsey out injured, he has been pushed into a ‘number eight’ role, which has tested him in an attacking capacity for the first time.
But does he miss being the ball-winner?
“I think if you’d asked me three weeks ago I’d have probably have said I preferred playing holding midfielder,” he said. “But I like the licence of getting forward more and contributing and trying things.
“I love playing holding midfield because it means I get to link from the back but it is just a string to my bow. If I can layer different things in my game, be adaptable in different roles, it is only something that is going to benefit me and make my case stronger.”
Already the subject of a £1million bid from Bristol City in the summer, Thomason has now been challenged to become a ‘more complete’ midfielder by Ian Evatt, adding goals and assists to his game.
He scored his first goal in nearly two years at Wycombe, finishing off a fine ball from Josh Sheehan, and has had a few other chances fall his way in recent weeks.
Were his numbers to improve further, Thomason’s value would undoubtedly do the same, and the 22-year-old is open to working on the weaker areas of his game.
“Mentally, I think I take on information well, and I see what is required,” he said.
“We are being told to try different things in the final third, whether that is to attract opposition players and to find a team-mate, or if it opens up, have a go yourself.
“We have come up with a little saying about ‘quick actions’ and rather than being slow in that area of the pitch, do what feels right. If it is a bit more off the cuff and you want to make that decision, then go ahead. I feel like in the last two games we have registered more shots and looking more threatening.
“I really enjoy my football here. It is such a high-level, detailed game that the manager wants to play, to be in the training ground and trying to learn things every day, as a holding midfielder or as a number eight, I’m in a really good spot. This club has done really great things for my personal development and it has been beneficial for me.
“I feel as though in the build and middle phase of the game I’m good, I can help progress the ball up the pitch, it is just that detail in the final third now, adding goals and assists, ultimately contributing to the team in more ways than one.”
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