Oladapo Afolayan was pivotal in Bolton Wanderers' epic 4-1 win over Charlton Athletic on Tuesday evening.

The 24-year-old has made an outstanding start to the season and Ian Evatt was keen to point out how smart he is as teams prepare for his individual threat.

Evatt told The Bolton News: "On Sunday we had a conversation on the phone. Every manager I speak to after games now, they’re targeting Dapo (Oladapo Afolayan) with two or three men on him and it’s about how we adapt his game or keep the opposition guessing.

"He already knew the answers. He said ‘gaffer, I know, I’ve been looking at it today. I’ve been watching different players in the Premier League and how they adapt their game when that happens."

Bolton completed an outstanding piece of business to bring Afolayan in on a three year deal this summer, the Trotters are set to turn a significant profit on the free transfer if the 24-year-old continues his form, in what is a real coming of age season where he is looking levels above the third tier week in week out.

Bolton have the chance to earn back to back wins when they host Shrewsbury Town on Saturday where three points could see them break back into the top six.

The Verdict

Sometimes skillful wingers like Oladapo Afolayan do not realise their potential because they are too set in their ways and obsessed with beating players rather than doing what is best for the team.

It speaks volumes to the potential the 24-year-old has that he is assessing his own game as studiously and finding solutions to problems even before his manager.

With six goals and two assists so far this season reaching double figures in both categories is very possible by the end of the campaign.

Afolayan has come on leaps and bounds in the early stretch and could prove to be one of the best summer signings in the Football League.