Blackburn Rovers forward Tyrhys Dolan says new Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson is having a "big impact" on his development. Tomasson arrived at Ewood Park in the summer and Dolan has appeared in all 10 of the club's Championship fixtures so far, as well as twice in the Carabao Cup. Dolan, speaking to Blackburn Rovers club media, has now discussed the impact he feels the new Rovers boss is having on his game. “Playing under a new manager with a new style of play, I think it’s something that I maybe needed to improve my game," the 20-year-old explained, via rovers.co.uk.
“Everyone knows that I can stand up a man and produce the flicks and tricks but, using the first goal against Watford as an example, I don’t think anyone took more than three touches in the build up. “I feel that was something I needed to improve on, that quick play, and I’m starting to do it more now. “The gaffer has had a big impact, even in meetings he’s calling you out and asking why you did certain things in games. “You’re learning quite a lot because you’re having those conversations with him. I’ve learnt a lot in a short space of time.

 

 

“That’s the same for every player, they’re speaking up for themselves and I think we’re all liking the way he’s coaching the team.” That goal against Watford was Dolan's first of the league campaign, although he did score in the Carabao Cup so has two overall in his 12 matches so far. In terms of creating, things have been even more fruitful for the 20-year-old at this stage, registering four assists so far this season

The Verdict

It's really interesting to hear Tyrhys Dolan discussing the impact of Jon Dahl Tomasson on his game already. It is still really early days for the new coach at Ewood Park and so to hear he is having a big impact already speaks volumes. It can arguably be seen and measured by the goals and assists Dolan is registering, too. Last season he scored five and assisted three, meaning he had eight direct goal contributions in his 36 appearances, and this season, he already has six direct goal contributions in 12 appearances. Say, for example, he kept up that form, that would leave him with six goals and 12 assists after 36 matches. Now, that may not happen, but the improvement in the numbers is there for all to see, even at this early stage.