Bolton Wanderers fan column: Mendes Gomes is a game changer

The departure of Dapo Afolayan in January to St. Pauli came as a surprise and had a lot of the Bolton faithful questioning the move. Arguably Bolton’s most creative player, Afolayan had proven time and time again that his ability to take over games and create a moment of magic was something that would be sorely missed.

When you look at the reasons behind the departure and whether you agree or not, it was apparent that Afolayan wanted more consistent minutes in the starting lineup. He was also tried in numerous positions, but really did not seem like an ideal fit within Ian Evatt’s 3-5-2 formation.

I understand both viewpoints - I can appreciate why letting a talent like Afolayan go would seem like a bitter pill to swallow. But on the flip side I can also appreciate that players sometimes just simply feel the need to move on and seek a fresh challenge.

I bring this up because Bolton announced the highly anticipated signing this week of Carlos Mendes Gomes from Luton Town, who in all likelihood is an individual who will hopefully replicate what Afolayan offered.

The arguments about Victor Adeboyejo’s time at Bolton have not been helped by the fact he was effectively brought aboard with the money from Afolayan’s sale, with comparisons stating he was the ‘like for like replacement’, if you will.

The fact is, Afolayan and Adeboyejo are two completely different players, but Mendes Gomes however? Well, he is an exciting talent in a similar mould to that of Dapo.

He burst into life during Morecambe’s promotion campaign (the same season Bolton were promoted), finishing with 16 goals and five assists, so naturally most Bolton fans were already aware of the talent on display. We also witnessed it last year when he scored a wonderful goal for Fleetwood against the Wanderers.

His spell last year for the Cods resulted in eight goals and three assists, so his track record indicates that League One should be heavily suited for him fitting into a team that loves to express themselves quite like Evatt’s Bolton side does.

A lot can be said about his versatility, with the option to play as a wide man, through the middle or even operating as a second striker.

“He is a multi-functional player who can play in a number of attacking positions, who will add variety, pace and the ability to dribble and drive past defenders, which is something we’ve been looking to add”, Evatt said recently.

“He can also create and score goals, as we’ve seen first-hand, and is someone who will excite the fans as a big addition to the squad.”

The need to add someone within the team who can run at will, that player who has the pace to unlock defences and ultimately add a different dimension to Bolton’s game has been arguably the missing ingredient.

Bolton have employed a patient build up from the back in the past, with the wing-backs and midfielders often being asked to find avenues further up field, but adding someone like Mendes Gomes simply gives the opposition much more to think about.

As for game changers, you will not find many better in this league.

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