Amario Cozier-Duberry’s first taste of senior football wasn’t all smooth sailing but it has helped him hit the ground running at Wanderers.
The Brighton loanee has made an exciting start to his time at the Toughsheet Stadium, with three goals and three assists already to his name.
Cozier-Duberry had a spell up the road at Blackburn Rovers last term and showed glimpses of his talent, netting his first senior goal against Luton Town.
However, his playing time in the Championship was impacted by injury and then the managerial change at Ewood Park as John Eustace departed and Valerien Ismael took over.
First loans are always an important period for young players and the 20-year-old is grateful for the experience - both the highs and lows.
“It's definitely had a big impact,” he told The Bolton News. “The Championship is quite quick, like League One.
“It was my first season in men’s football. It was a good experience and now I know what I have to do to kick on.
“I had my ups and downs over there, like anybody would have their ups and downs in football. I definitely learnt so much from being in the Championship and I look to bring it into what I'm doing now.
“I feel like I've improved quite a bit but I'm still improving, there’s still much more room to go.”
Wingers are a key part of Steven Schumacher’s new-look system at Wanderers and Cozier-Duberry has been given the freedom to make his mark in the final third.
He has started all 11 games in League One to date, quickly becoming a popular figure among the Bolton faithful.
“I’ve enjoyed it so far. I'm enjoying playing my football, scoring, assisting. I'm just going to keep working on and keep getting better really,” he added.
“I think in every dressing room and every training session, there's going to be competition for spaces.
“I just keep my head down really and focus on myself because that's all I can control really. I just keep improving every day and be available for whatever the manager selects.”
The wide man’s consistent performances caught the eye of England and he was on standby for the latest Under-21 squad, which includes players from some of the top European clubs.
He has represented the national team at various age groups and his first appearance for the Under-20 squad came earlier this year.
READ MORE: Schumacher: Sam Dalby will get his chance to shine for Bolton Wanderers
Brighton have also visited to check how he is getting on in the North West, and Schumacher said the top flight club was encouraged by what they heard.
“I'm very grateful for the help that Brighton have been giving me so far on my loan as well,” said the youngster. “They've always been checking in and messaging to see how I'm getting on.”
Cozier-Duberry was one of 14 new signings to arrive at the Toughsheet Stadium during a busy summer window, but he says it didn’t take long for the squad to gel.
“We all clicked quite well,” he explained. “Obviously, I wasn’t the only one who joined and we all get on.
“Everyone wants to be in a room where you feel welcome and valued. The team makes me feel a real part of it and I'm grateful for it.”
The summer signing spent time in Arsenal’s Academy ranks, where he played alongside the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, before joining the Seagulls in 2024.
His playing style often gets the supporters out of their seats, and it is something that always came naturally growing up.
“I’ve always looked to beat my man and be attacking, I’ve always had that in me to be honest,” he recalled.
“I just keep looking to build on it and keep improving. The way we play is what allows me to do it at times, it’s definitely that way I like to play.”
The winger loves to cut inside onto his left foot and curl an effort towards goal, and it has already come off on several occasions.
The last-gasp equaliser at Leyton Orient won’t be forgotten anytime soon and there was a similar moment of magic against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.
When asked who inspired him growing up, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that a former Dutch star gets a mention.
“Arjen Robben is up there,” he smiled. “He’s quite predictable, you know what he's going to do but it always comes off. He's so sharp to make it come off all the time.”
When asked about his long-term aim in the game, Cozier-Duberry simply stated: “One day just to be playing at the highest level, that's it really.”
Share