Loan Star Could Be Answer to Wanderers’ Woes Once Again

Over the past two seasons, Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has used the loan system effectively to bring talented youngsters to the Reebok. In Ryo Miyaichi, on loan from Arsenal, he looks to have done that again.

Owen Coyle joined Wanderers in January 2010 after the Lancashire side had been struggling under Gary Megson. One of his first moves was to bring in the then 18-year old midfielder Jack Wilshere on loan from Arsenal.

Wilshere impressed hugely, featuring prominently in Bolton’s run-in that saw them finish 14th. Coyle had helped nurture the best out of the young Englishman, who made 49 appearances the following season at Arsenal.

A year on from Wilshere’s arrival at Bolton in January 2011, Coyle looked to another promising youngster from Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea; Daniel Sturridge.

Sturridge had already shone at Manchester City, winning their Young Player of the Season Award in 2008-9. In his first year and a half at Chelsea, he played a bit part role and a loan move beckoned.

He was an instant success at the Reebok, scoring a 92nd minute winner on his debut against Wolves. His end of season figures were equally notable, with 8 goals in 12 Premier League appearances.

With Wilshere and Sturridge both looking shoe-ins for the Euro 2012 England Squad, Coyle has clearly provided a reliable environment for young talent to develop.

The Bolton ‘school of hard knocks’ teaches players how to be strong on the ball, a footballing lesson that one imagines veteran striker Kevin Davies plays a part in.

Arsene Wenger has put his trust in Coyle once again in allowing Japanese winger Ryo Miyaichi to join Bolton on loan in January.

Miyaichi has been the source of much excitement for Arsenal fans. The flair he displayed during his loan spell at Feyenoord, earned him many admirers and the nickname ‘Ryodinho’ amongst Dutch fans.

However, question marks over his physicality have meant that his opportunities with the first team have been limited to the League Cup. An ankle injury in November did not help his case.

His talent is unquestionable. His goal on his first start on Saturday against Millwall is evidence of this. The way in which Miyaichi picked up the ball, beat his man and placed his shot beyond the keeper was reminiscent of Robert Pires in his Arsenal heyday.

Of course, Miyaichi still has much to learn to become the finished article. But his time in the North can be mutually beneficial for Bolton and Arsenal.

With the Wanderers languishing in 19th, Miyaichi’s creativity may be exactly what his new side need. This time next year, he could be an Arsenal regular.

Written by Hugo Greenhalgh

Follow him on Twitter @HugoGreenhalgh

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