Debut Review: Derik Osede

Due to his injury at the end of pre-season this debut has been a long time coming. Derik Osede impressed during pre-season with his assured defensive displays and seems to have picked up where he left off against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Osede was signed from Real Madrid on a free transfer over the summer.

Last season he was a member of the full Real Madrid squad, though did not make a first team appearance for Carlo Ancelotti's men. Osede made 51 appearances for both the Real Madrid C and Real Madrid Castilla teams scoring once for both. During his time with the C team he helped the team return to Segunda Division B.

He has also played for Spain between U16 and U21 levels, but has since stated that he wants to switch allegiance to Nigeria. During his time with Spanish youth teams he was part of a European Under-19 Championships winning side in 2012.

This was one of the signings I was most excited about this summer, probably second after that of Ben Amos. Having made it so far at Real Madrid it is clear that Osede must have great quality. Hopefully he can adapt to the English game well and develop into the talented player I am sure he can become.

If he does then he is a player who will hopefully maintain value. I mentioned this in my Summer Dealings Review part 1: New Arrivals. Although I do not want to see the club cashing in on Osede any time soon it is good that he is a player with the potential to attract a fee and won't add to the growing list of players who left on a free which upset me so during my Summer Dealings Review part 2: The Departed.

Osede has gained good reviews of his competitive debut for Bolton. It has been noted he won a lot of his areal battles and demonstrated great pace at the back. Pace is also something Chris’ new man love Prince-Desir Gouano has, and their partnership could become very strong off the back of solid defensive work and pace. Having managed to keep Wolves strike force which is supposed to strike fear into all at bay for a lot of the afternoon I think it’s fair to say that the pairing has passed its first test well and hopefully can build from that.

Neil Lennon has already said that he is impressed by his new centre back partnership in an interview with The Bolton News. This is particularly good as Dorian Dervite is now out with an injury for a few weeks!

It was noted in the match report on this very site that Osede was accomplished on the ball, at least in comparison with Prince. Distribution from the back is clearly hugely important and if I remember right a beautiful ball in pre-season set Gary Madine away for one of the goals which made us think he might actually be good. With Bolton already having played well this season to have players coming in with attributes to improve the team further we have to feel optimistic about the season, or at least that we should not be overly worried down the wrong end of the table!

It has also been noted that Osede’s reading of the game was excellent. As he continues to adjust to the English game this will no doubt be invaluable. And once he is fully adjusted it will generally be a fantastic asset for the player for his entire career.

It is encouraging that with Dervite and Prince having made solid starts to the season that we now have three centre backs of good quality to call upon. It has been quite a while since I think we could have said that and bodes well for any injuries or suspensions which may be picked up over the course of the season.

What’s more Osede is positive about the future of Bolton Wanderers and spoke of his ambition for the club in an interview with The Bolton News:

"I have played at what, to me, is the biggest club in the world at Real Madrid but this is not a big change for me," he told The Bolton News.

"Bolton is a great club. We have been in the Premier League and I am here to make them return. I think they should be in the top division.

"We have a very good manager who can make us into a great team."

Osede went on to say:

"Ivan Campo has played here, so did Fernando Hierro. The first time I heard I could come to Bolton, I knew I wanted to do it.

"I hope to be a great player like Campo. I have the hair!

This is something which is great to see in a player, the clearest indication that he is committed to building Bolton Wanderers back up into the club we all hope we can be once more!