The Latics Quo: Five Wigan Athletic Players to Watch in 2010/2011

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Wigan were unable to get off to the start they were hoping for on the opening day of the English Premier League. The Latics were thrashed 4-0 at home to newly promoted Blackpool, who many predicted would finish bottom akin to Derby County's performances in 2007/2008. After that embarrassment Wigan were then thrashed 6-0 by Chelsea before shocking all by beating Tottenham 1-0 at White Hart Lane.

Manager Roberto Martinez somewhat struggled in his first season at the front of the helm and fans are eager to see a Wigan side finish deep into the top half of the table. Martinez has attracted a number of signing during the Summer and also boasts a number of youngsters who grew during the course of last season.
If the Manchester based side and find a rhythm and their key players rise up and perform consistently than Martinez and his men could easily follow in the footsteps of Birmingham City's 2009/2010 season.

Here are five Wigan players to watch this season.

5.James McArthur

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The 22 year old was an outstanding performer in the Scottish Premier League with Hamilton Academical, his efforts attracted heavy attention from a number of English clubs with Wigan winning out for the Scots prized signature this Summer.

A small yet incisive midfielder with great vision and pace, McArthur shows all the attributes to become a quality midfielder in the Premier League. Still young and maturing the Scottish dynamo still has some growing to do but in a team where he has the opportunity to become a main midfield figure, the future looks bright.

4.Mauro Boselli

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The 25 year old Argentitian is a strong, out and out striker, who is easily capable of securing a double figure tally for the Latics this season. The imposing forward arrived at the JB from Estudiantes LP this Summer for £6,468,000.

3. Ali Al-Habsi

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The Oman keeper, on loan from Bolton, could come of age and finally establish himself as a dominant keeping figure. After a heroic performance against Tottenham, fans and Martinez are praying Al-Habsi continues his form and can provide a reliable presence in goal.

Chris Kirkland, the usual Wigan number one, has struggled at the front of the helm after Wigan's two thrashing and it looks as if Ali Al-Habsi could be the new next best thing for Wigan.

2. Victor Moses

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The 19-year-old striker arrived at the DW last winter from Crystal Palace in which he was a prominent figure in the Eagles side since making his début ion 2007. Moses has been impressive since joining the Premier League.

A versatile, pacey player who is capable of playing anywhere in the forward and midfield line. Blessed with a fierce shot and good strength for his size, the Englishman has a sparkling future in the EPL. Destined for national honours too.

Expect to see the Englishman implement his name into World Football this year.

1. James McCarthy

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A standout performer in the Scottish League for Hamilton Academical before joining the Latics in 2009 for £1.2 million. Since joining Wigan, McCarthy has become one of the main focus points of the relatively dim Wigan attack, and he is only 19.

Blessed with great pace and balance, the Irish midfielder boast an incisive passing range, impressive creativity and a keen eye for goal.