Mason Burstow says he has “a lot of points to prove” after making a bright start to his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers.
The 22-year-old Hull City striker, on loan at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, has already made headlines with a stunning goal in the 4-1 derby win over Wigan Athletic.
Settling into Wanderers Life
Burstow arrived from Hull in the summer after a testing period in his career. A £2 million move to Humberside followed an underwhelming loan at Sunderland from Chelsea, but opportunities in his favoured central role were limited. Bolton manager Steven Schumacher promised him that chance, and so far the results have been encouraging.
His strike against Wigan was the highlight, though he insists he will not be defined by one goal.
“It was a great moment. To walk away from that game with a goal and a 4-1 win, it was perfect,” he said. “But I sensed how big the game would be. At the start of the season you scroll through your phone and do your research, see who the rivals are. I knew it would be important.”
He admitted last weekend’s defeat at Northampton was a setback, particularly after missing a gilt-edged chance. But experience of criticism at Sunderland and limited chances at Hull have steeled him for what lies ahead.
“I knew for myself, personally, it was a big season. I’ve got a lot of points to prove and I started on the right track, but I knew as a squad and as a team, we needed to get back to the Championship.”
EFL Championship
High Standards and Healthy Competition
Burstow is keen to establish himself as a number nine but is prepared to adapt if required.
“I always set my standards high and I know I might not be perfect every time, but I’ll do my best to get close to that. I want to play as a nine, I want to play as many minutes as I can, and Bolton are giving me that opportunity. That’s really important to me.”
Bolton’s forward line has already been strengthened by Marcus Forss and Sam Dalby, and Schumacher has stressed the need for goals across the squad. Eleven different players have scored so far, easing the burden on Burstow.
“Everyone is finding their touch at the moment,” he said. “Looking around the quality in the squad it is a bit of a relief knowing that it doesn’t have to be you. We can get a goal from Marcus or Thierry or whatnot and create that way. It’s a nice feeling.”
Writer’s View
Burstow’s early impact has been impressive, but what stands out most is his determination to show more. Having endured a difficult spell at Hull, his confidence in Bolton’s set-up and the opportunity to play centrally could unlock his best form.
For Wanderers, that blend of hunger and talent could make all the difference in the push for promotion.
