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Aaron Morley’s technical ability has never been in doubt, but Ian Evatt believes the midfielder is becoming a more rounded player.
The midfielder came into the side against Wycombe on Tuesday night and carried out some important defensive work against the Chairboys.
“Aaron is a really good technical football player, that has been evident from the first day he walked through the door,” Evatt told The Bolton News.
“They are his ‘super strengths’ – his range of passing, he can do things and make passes that many people can’t execute.
“But a side of his game that needed development was out of possession and I think we have seen clear signs of that progression. He is now taking more responsibility.
“Aaron is a real physical specimen, you wouldn’t believe it but he is the fastest player in the team. I don’t think anyone would, if they had to guess, would tell you that he is but the data and the stats say so.
“He has ran the quickest time over a certain distance and his maximum velocity, for instance, is the highest of anyone in the squad.
“He can do it, it is just getting himself in the right frame of mind to do it and accepting that responsibility.”
With the amount of football Morley has already played, it is easy to forget that he is still only 23 years of age.
“He is a young player, he is still learning his trade,” Evatt continued. “He has been learning his trade with us for the last few years and progressing that side of the game.
“I have definitely seen clear signs of that progression this season and we gave him that responsibility on Tuesday, knowing the type of game it was going to be.
“Wycombe have reverted to type, they have gone very direct again, they make lots of runs from that number 10 position.
“It is down to him to be able to track those runs and also winning duels, aerial duels, front screening – all these things, he has improved on. I was pleased for Aaron.”
Nat Ogbeta also impressed in midweek, assisting Gethin Jones’ opener with a looping cross from the left flank.
It was the youngster’s first league start for Bolton since joining on loan from Swansea for the remainder of the season.
Evatt was pleased with Ogbeta’s performance against the Chairboys and hopes he can kick on in the coming weeks.
“He is getting fitter all the time,” he explained. “Obviously, he missed a large part of playing time in the early part of the season so we are having to be cautious and careful with him so we don’t break him down.
“But really good signs and we feel he is only going to get better from that as well. I was pleased with him.”
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