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Wanderers defender Matt Mills believes giving Chung-Yong Lee licence to roam has been key to the Korean’s star-studded displays.
Whites boss Neil Lennon has witnessed a revitalised Chung-Yong since taking the helm six games ago with yet another man-of-the-match display the driving force behind the derby victory against Wigan in the last game before the international break.
Lennon stressed his hope the Korean returns from international duty against Jordan and Iran unscathed this week as he begins to look towards Saturday’s trip to Blackpool.
And Mills understands why after seeing his team-mate become one of the key men an upturn in form that has seen Wanderers take 12 points from 18 available since Lennon’s arrival.
Mills told The Bolton News: “That [central] role really suits him.
“He’s brilliant at taking the ball, turning and driving at defences.
“He’s been brilliant since the new manager came in and long may that continue.
“Without being vocal you can see why he captains his country.
“He is the ultimate professional in terms of the way he conducts himself.
“Whenever he’s asked to do a job he does it to the best of his ability and while this new role he’s got perhaps gives him the licence to be less diligent defensively.
“He causes chaos going forward and that’s what he’s doing right now.”
Chung-Yong Lee is not the only creative spark in the side at present with Mark Davies also showing a return to his best form in midfield.
Both players have overcome injury problems in recent seasons to rediscover their best form and Mills says the pair deserve huge credit for their determination to get back to form.
The Whites vice-captain added: ““This is the thing, when players get these serious injuries nowadays, like Mark Davies for example, their professionalism behind the scenes that people don’t see is what gets them back.
“They need to be prepared to come in every day and work on the things they need to.
“It’s absolute credit to them because while you’d expect a desire in the younger ones to push themselves back, it gets harder and harder to do as you get older.
“In Sparky’s example, and Chungy, they had really serious injuries but it was hard work and character that got them back to this level and they deserve it.”
It is not just those playmakers who have blossomed under Lennon but the whole team.
Mills has started every game for the new manager at the heart of the defence alongside summer signing Dorian Dervite.
And while they have only kept two clean sheets in those half dozen games – against Birmingham and Cardiff – the steady improvement has been there for all to see.
Mills has not been surprised with the upturn in fortunes, either, believing the Lennon’s positive approach on the training pitch is infectious.
He said: “For me personally and speaking on behalf of the lads, the manager has been fantastic since he has come in.
“He has really brought a buzz to the place and this is a club going forward under him.”
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Whites boss Neil Lennon has witnessed a revitalised Chung-Yong since taking the helm six games ago with yet another man-of-the-match display the driving force behind the derby victory against Wigan in the last game before the international break.
Lennon stressed his hope the Korean returns from international duty against Jordan and Iran unscathed this week as he begins to look towards Saturday’s trip to Blackpool.
And Mills understands why after seeing his team-mate become one of the key men an upturn in form that has seen Wanderers take 12 points from 18 available since Lennon’s arrival.
Mills told The Bolton News: “That [central] role really suits him.
“He’s brilliant at taking the ball, turning and driving at defences.
“He’s been brilliant since the new manager came in and long may that continue.
“Without being vocal you can see why he captains his country.
“He is the ultimate professional in terms of the way he conducts himself.
“Whenever he’s asked to do a job he does it to the best of his ability and while this new role he’s got perhaps gives him the licence to be less diligent defensively.
“He causes chaos going forward and that’s what he’s doing right now.”
Chung-Yong Lee is not the only creative spark in the side at present with Mark Davies also showing a return to his best form in midfield.
Both players have overcome injury problems in recent seasons to rediscover their best form and Mills says the pair deserve huge credit for their determination to get back to form.
The Whites vice-captain added: ““This is the thing, when players get these serious injuries nowadays, like Mark Davies for example, their professionalism behind the scenes that people don’t see is what gets them back.
“They need to be prepared to come in every day and work on the things they need to.
“It’s absolute credit to them because while you’d expect a desire in the younger ones to push themselves back, it gets harder and harder to do as you get older.
“In Sparky’s example, and Chungy, they had really serious injuries but it was hard work and character that got them back to this level and they deserve it.”
It is not just those playmakers who have blossomed under Lennon but the whole team.
Mills has started every game for the new manager at the heart of the defence alongside summer signing Dorian Dervite.
And while they have only kept two clean sheets in those half dozen games – against Birmingham and Cardiff – the steady improvement has been there for all to see.
Mills has not been surprised with the upturn in fortunes, either, believing the Lennon’s positive approach on the training pitch is infectious.
He said: “For me personally and speaking on behalf of the lads, the manager has been fantastic since he has come in.
“He has really brought a buzz to the place and this is a club going forward under him.”
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