MOTM: Bolton Wanderers 3-3 MK Dons

Well, what a return to the UniBol for a frantic game. A frantic weekend personally means I’ve only just watched the highlights back to make my mind up. Yeah, I was at the game, but the emotion of it all from my pitchside view seat got the better of me. I wanted to see it again from a more tactical viewpoint.

My decision was the same now as it was then.

There are a few honourable mentions. The first was debutant Amadou Bakayoko, with the stadium going loco when he slammed home the second from Dec’s cross. His debut consisted of playing out of position but doing so with nimble feet, good passing and displaying the kind of gusto overall that I could get very used to. Impressive indeed.

Another man making his competitive debut, after a pre-season where he managed two goals was George Johnston. The ex-Liverpool Under 23’s captain showed his pedigree; his timing of the tackle and class on the ball shone in spades. But he would’ve been disappointed to lose the ball in the lead up to MK’s opener, despite Gilks’ pass to him being ill-advised at best.

MJ Williams and captain Sarce never stopped running and harassing all afternoon, often creating high turnovers leading to chances that we unfortunately squandered.

My choice for the first MOTM of the season, though, was someone who just oozed class on the ball every time he touched it. Oh and a 25 yard free-kick curled into the corner on yet another competitive debut. Not too shabby.

Step forward Mr Josh Sheehan!

The way he drifted past players with the afterburners on, then spread the play wide, was joyful. And not only that, he doesn’t sit back and admire his handiwork. Time and time again he’d be busting a gut to get on the end of a move he’d started. At 2-1 up, if Dapo had found Sheehaniesta charging into the area, instead of overhitting his pass, the game could’ve been made safe.

His technical ability is obvious but it’s his work rate and desire to get on the ball constantly which excite me the most. And when did we last have someone who could take a free-kick like that? Zach Clough? More of the same please, Josh!

It would not surprise me one bit to see Sheehan make the next Wales squad if he can continue this type of form. He was up against some of the better midfielders in this league in my opinion, and although he took a little while to get into the game, he still stood out.

I’m just looking forward to watching him play for my club and I can’t remember the last time I truly felt like that after a central midfielders debut.

Onwards and upwards, COYWM!!!