‘QUARTERBACK’ Nathan Baxter is becoming a key figure in Wanderers’ grand tactical plan, says manager Ian Evatt.

The former Chelsea keeper has proved one of Bolton’s most consistent players at the start of the season following his arrival from Stamford Bridge in the summer.

And though his shot-stopping and command of his area have caught the eye, Evatt says the biggest gains have been made with his feet, with Baxter an important component in the team’s build-up play from the back.

The 24-year-old had been schooled in possession football at Chelsea and also played a similar style at Hull City in the Championship last season.

And the studious Baxter, who holds a university degree in history, has impressed Evatt with the speed at which he is picking up tactical detail.

He said: “I spend a lot of time with him going through clips and talking about his decision making, the progressions, almost like a quarter-back – where is their press, where is the space, where is the right pass? That all has to happen within seconds and he is still learning it because it is very detailed but there has been huge improvement.

“We spoke in the summer and I told him upfront that I would be extremely demanding of him. The things I wanted him to do were elite, and he has been extremely receptive.

“He takes things on board, he learns every day, he wants to work and learn, ask questions, he likes to challenge – and I love being challenged – so it fantastic that we are seeing some really good performances.”

Though Evatt is loathe to compare Baxter with his predecessor, James Trafford, he admits there are some similarities between the two goalkeepers in terms of their mental attitude.

“Too often we have had too many followers and not enough leaders, and we need it to be the other way around,” he said.

“We need as many leaders as we can, and some players who will follow the right examples.

“Nathan is one of those leaders. He is a confident lad, you have to be in goal, especially to play at the highest level.

“I hate the comparisons with James but the one thing we can all agree that James had was confidence, right? The best ones usually do. And Nathan carries that same attitude.

“He has bought into what we are trying to do. He has improved with the ball and his goalkeeping is just fantastic, he has made some crucial saves.

“He is getting used to the patterns of possession. Tuesday in particular it was a good performance with the ball.”