Man of the Match: Oxford United 2-4 Bolton Wanderers - Filipe Morais

It feels like a lifetime ago since Bolton Wanderers had a player we could all get excited about. Enter Filipe Morais, the 31-year-old Portuguese winger, signed on a free transfer in early 2017. What a revelation this lad has been; he offers something we haven’t seen for as long as I can remember - his winding runs and lethal crosses proving far too much for opposition defences to handle.

He was fantastic against Oxford, racking up another goal and assist without much of a fuss. His goal wasn’t an easy finish - under increasing pressure from advancing defenders and a flailing goalkeeper - but he managed to slam home into the roof of the Oxford net with ease. His free-kick for Wanderers’ second goal was sublime, and a shame he didn’t double his tally, but nonetheless it put the cat amongst the pigeons in the home side’s box and allowed Mark Beevers to poke the ball across the line.

I really like Morais. He’s clearly enjoying a new lease of life under Phil Parkinson, being played in a 3-5-2 system that allows him to get down the wings whenever he likes and, at times, almost become a third forward. His trickery is something that’s seldom seen at this level, and his pinpoint crossing is ideal service for both types of centre forward we have; target man and poacher.

His Man of the Match award for our midweek game is thoroughly deserved. Keep up the good work, Filipe!