Key Points
· Bolton Wanderers manager Steven Schumacher has praised Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Amario Cozier-Duberry for his strong start to the season.
· Cozier-Duberry joined Bolton on a season-long loan from Brighton after spells at Arsenal’s academy and a loan at Blackburn Rovers.
· The 20-year-old winger has made an immediate impact with key contributions including an assist in League One and a notable goal in the League Cup.
· Schumacher believes Cozier-Duberry has the ability to succeed at Bolton and has described his performances as “striking gold.”
· Cozier-Duberry’s recent performances have earned him Player of the Match honours and increased playing time under Schumacher.
· The loanee’s progress is seen as promising after challenges with injuries and limited appearances on his previous loan.
What has Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher said about Amario Cozier-Duberry?
As reported by Emma Clayton of The Bolton News, Steven Schumacher, the manager of Bolton Wanderers, has expressed high praise for Brighton & Hove Albion winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, who is currently on loan at Bolton for the 2025-26 season.
Schumacher said, “We have struck gold with Amario. His previous performances, especially last season, showed he has the ability to succeed in a Bolton shirt.” He emphasised his confidence in the young player’s potential and impact on the team’s performances.
The manager’s comments came after Cozier-Duberry’s notable displays in the early part of the campaign, highlighting the winger’s increasing importance to the Wanderers’ squad.
Who is Amario Cozier-Duberry and what is his career background?
Amario Cozier-Duberry is a 20-year-old winger who began his footballing career in the Arsenal academy, spending five formative years developing within the London club’s system. Following the end of his contract with Arsenal, Cozier-Duberry moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2024.
He was immediately loaned out to Blackburn Rovers in the Championship for the 2024-25 season, but that spell was somewhat disrupted. According to the BBC’s sports coverage, during his time at Blackburn, he made 23 appearances but suffered an early ankle injury that sidelined him for nearly a month. Despite the setbacks, he scored once in a league match against Luton.
In the summer of 2025, Brighton sent Cozier-Duberry on another loan, this time to Bolton Wanderers, competing in League One, representing a step down in divisions but an opportunity for more regular first-team football.
How has Cozier-Duberry performed for Bolton Wanderers so far?
Amario Cozier-Duberry has shown promising signs during his early matches for Bolton. Daily Cannon's journalist reported that Cozier-Duberry has started two full 90-minute League One games, providing his first senior career assist in a win against Plymouth Argyle.
One of his standout performances came in the League Cup, where he scored a stunning long-range goal in stoppage time against Sheffield Wednesday to level the tie at 3-3. Although Bolton eventually lost on penalties, Sky Sports labelled the goal a “worldie” and noted his composure in converting a penalty during the shootout as well.
Cozier-Duberry has been actively involved in chances created and shots on goal, with Sky Sports noting his multiple attempts to score in recent league fixtures, including a left-footed shot that hit the post and another saved by the keeper in a match against Reading.
What is the significance of Cozier-Duberry’s impact at Bolton?
Football League World’s coverage highlighted manager Steven Schumacher’s belief that signing Cozier-Duberry has been a “transfer gold” moment for the club. Schumacher appreciates the player’s ability to do what Blackburn couldn’t fully tap into during his previous loan.
The early trust shown by Schumacher is significant as it provides Cozier-Duberry the platform to develop and prove himself at a senior level. The exposure in League One, combined with confidence from the technical staff, is crucial for the winger’s career trajectory [Football League World].
Bolton’s official social media also celebrated Cozier-Duberry’s contributions, naming him the Player of the Match in recent fixtures with over 50% of the votes cast by fans, underscoring his rising popularity and influence within the team [Bolton Wanderers Official X].
What challenges has Cozier-Duberry overcome to reach this point?
Cozier-Duberry’s journey has not been without hurdles. During his loan at Blackburn Rovers, an ankle injury and difficulty securing a consistent starting place slowed his progress. This was reflected in his limited statistical output with just one goal and no assists in 23 appearances last season.
The move to Bolton represents a reset and opportunity at a slightly lower division where he can assert himself and gain invaluable match experience. The praise from Schumacher and the player’s recent performances indicate that Cozier-Duberry is beginning to meet those challenges head-on and thrive.
What can Bolton fans expect from Cozier-Duberry this season?
Given his current form and growing influence, Cozier-Duberry is expected to remain a key part of Bolton Wanderers’ attacking options throughout the 2025-26 League One campaign.
Schumacher’s faith implies regular playing time and a chance to be integral to the team’s overall strategy. Fans can look forward to high-energy wing play, creativity, and an increasing goal threat as Cozier-Duberry settles further into the team dynamic [The Bolton News][Football League World].
How does Cozier-Duberry’s loan fit into Brighton’s plans?
Brighton & Hove Albion, as a Premier League club loaded with talent, have chosen to loan Cozier-Duberry out strategically to help his development through regular first-team football. This loan spell at Bolton is a step designed to prepare him for higher-level competition in the future by helping him build consistency and confidence in competitive matches.
Brighton’s approach mirrors common player development pathways for young prospects who need game time to transition from youth to senior football.