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3F7HWK6 Sheffield, UK. 08th Aug, 2026. Bolton Wanderers forward Ruben Rodrigues (20) during the Sheffield Wednesday v Bolton Wanderers Carabao Cup 1st Round match at Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield, England on 8 August 2026 Credit: Phil Duncan/Every Second Media Credit: Every Second Media/Alamy Live News
Every Second Media

Bolton Wanderers now have balance in attacking midfield, using Ruben Rodrigues and Atsuke Ito in tandem: Opinion

One of the big talking points going into the season, was can Ruben Rodrigues stay fit enough to own the central attacking midfield spot? Well now, the burden can be eased, with Atsuke Ito allowing balance to the role.

02.10.26, 16:00 Updated 02.10.26, 17:02 4 Minute Read

In the attacking positions of Steven Schumacher's Bolton Wanderers side, there are three key positions.

One is the striker. In this role, a lot is asked of you, especially with the Whites chasing the ball a lot in their return to the Championship. Pace, power and physicality are needed. Wanderers have this through Sam Dalby and Theo Bair.

Another is within the wide areas. Wing play is a huge part of Schumacher's style, with the likes of Amario Cozier-Duberry having endless success within the system last year. Bolton have this covered too, with Thierry Gale and Kyliane Dong looking the real deal, and a supporting cast that should get up to speed soon.

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Matt Bottomley

A lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan, this club is the reason I began my journalism career. Since sitting in the stands as a kid over 20 years ago, I have gone on to work for the likes of the BBC and The Telegraph before everything led me back to here, to the football club I love.

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