The Importance of Jay Matete
Matete recently joined the Wanderers on a season-long loan from Sunderland to bolster the defensive midfield options. After the departure of Aaron Morley, on loan to Wycombe, Jay Matete is the most natural option to fill in for Josh Sheehan or George Thomason. Kyle Dempsey, Klaidi Lolos, and Scott Arfield are others who could play in defensive midfield but they all play their best football in the final third.
Taken from @OfficialBWFC on X
Questions have been asked about Ian Evatt’s tactics this season, with Bolton only picking up four points from the first four league games. Jay Matete’s introduction into the team could be the difference between a successful season and another year in League One. But why is he the answer?
How Good is Jay Matete?
The former Oxford United loanee is the only true number six in the Bolton Wanderers squad, with quality in and out of possession. The most impressive quality of Matete’s is something you can’t measure with statistics, his defensive positioning.
Taken from @SunderlandAFC on X
Bolton’s number 28 positions himself in the passing lanes to stop progression up the pitch and force the opposition into a sideways or backwards pass. This gives the Wanderers time to get set and form a defensive structure that’s hard to play, making it easier to press and create chances through out of possession work.
His defensive positioning also allows him to press the opposition and force them back to the goalkeeper, he hasn’t shown this for Bolton just yet but will when he becomes fully integrated into the Wanderers starting 11.
Another quality of the Sunderland loanee is his choice of pass, the best way to measure this is through pass accuracy - last season this was 80.7% in the league. He has a good passing range and can play a good through ball, but won’t play a pass if it’s not on. However, this can only be appreciated by seeing it on display; for a further breakdown of Matete, read my thread here.
Matete: The Mentality Monster
In a recent interview, Jay Matete proved that he is the right character to be at Bolton, even if that is only this season. Not only does he recognise how big of a club it is, but how important this year could be for him, saying it is a “big year” for his footballing career.
“I had my injury struggles last year but I have been given an opportunity to come and prove myself at a big club like Bolton. It was a no-brainer for me.
That is what comes with playing for a big club like Bolton, you are expected to win every game.”
This interview was also before the Shrewsbury game, of which he noted how important this game was for him and the rest of the squad.
“This Shrewsbury game) is an opportunity for us boys who maybe haven’t got the number of minutes we want to impress the gaffer and show what we can do. We are looking forward to it.”
He took his opportunity in this game, helping Bolton to a 2-0 win and completing the most dribbles in the game, and having the highest pass accuracy.
This interview showed that he is prepared to fight for his place in the team and impress when he is given the opportunity. Matete’s character and personality is perfect to be a part of a Bolton Wanderers squad fighting for the league title. But can they do it?