Another player linked with Wigan is Tranquillo Barnetta the Bayer Leverkusen wide man. This one would be a huge signing, having seen him play and score against England he looks like a talented footballer. The name of Shaun Wright-Phillips has also been mentioned. Although Wright-Phillips would be a marquee signing for Wigan, I am in the minority of Wigan fans who thinks the wages which he will demand would be too high for a player at 29 who I believe is past his best. Wigan are also linked with James Mclean of Derry City and Jamie Murphy of Motherwell however neither could be conceived as legitimate replacements for N’Zogbia and would need to be given time to develop under the guidance of Martinez.
Could the best option of all be right under the noses of Wigan fans? Victor Moses, who signed for Wigan in January 2010 from Crystal Palace has been waiting patiently in the wings. Many fans believe he should have been given a chance earlier having shown glimpses of brilliance when he has been given his limited chances. Moses, similarly to N’Zogbia, is very direct and likes to attack defenders.
With more games comes more experience and Martinez will look to ensure that the obvious talent he has is transferred so he becomes an established performer in the Premier League. During the pre-season he has looked lively in each of the games. Scoring twice in a 2-0 victory over Al Ahli and creating two and scoring one in the 3-1 victory over Preston North End he has justified his inclusion into my personal fantast football team.
So what does the season hold? Funnily enough, I believe it could be one the best the club has had in the top flight. The infectious nature of Martinez and the way he speaks with pride about ‘our club’ cannot help but fill you with optimism. It is obvious that N’Zogbia will be a huge loss as would Wayne Rooney to Manchester United. Wigan have lost key players in the past including Antonio Valencia, Wilson Palacios to name two but have always managed to find able replacements which hopefully will be the case this season. Victor Moses looks set to step up and bridge the gap left by N’Zogbia and who would bet against the scouting network at Wigan plucking another unknown gem from somewhere?
With a settled side and players more suited to the style of play adopted by Martinez Wigan fans should be encouraged. I predict an improvement on the season before, having in the latter half of the previous campaign played some fantastic football can only give encouragement to Wigan Athletic fans.
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