Martinez: Just watch Hu-go
Roberto Martinez expects Latics striker Hugo Rodallega to take the Premier League by storm next season.
The Colombian, who only joined the club in January from Mexican outfit Necaxa, is the only recognised striker currently on the club's books, with Amr Zaki, Mido and Henri Camara moving on and Marlon King's future expected to lie away from Wigan.
He was only scheduled to move to England this summer, but his transfer was fast-tracked when Emile Heskey was sold to Aston Villa midway through last term.
His form in the second half of the campaign, including a sparkling run of three goals in the last four games, has given huge reason for optimism looking ahead.
And the new Latics boss has backed the 23-year-old to hit the ground running when the action kicks off in August.
Martinez told the Evening Post: "Hugo is a very, very good prospect, but the best is yet to come once he feels fully part of the Premier League and part of the British way of life.
"That is a big thing and a big change from the way he used to live, but we are all excited to see him developing and enjoying his football with Wigan.
"In Britain, the striker is normally one-dimensional, and tends to play up against the centre-half, tries to hold the ball up and link the play.
"Hugo has a bit of everything – he is very talented, he can play between lines, he has very quick feet, he can go both ways and he is a great finisher.
"He is very different, and the type of striker that is very hard to find."
Martinez also believes the six months Rodallega has already spent settling in off the field will give him a head start on the countless other foreign imports arriving in England this
summer.
The Spaniard is fully aware of the initial problems involved in acclimatising to a new country, and says Rodallega – who became a father just weeks into his Wigan career – has already done the hard part.
Martinez added: "There are many doubts in your head as a foreign player when you move to a new league, but that will not be a factor for him
anymore.
"He will start the season just thinking about how good he can be and master what he is good at, instead of worrying about what he will find and whether he will enjoy the British game.
"The first few months are critical because you are stepping in the unknown, and there is an apprehension there that it can dictate your future.
"But Hugo is settled over here, he knows the club and the league inside out, and I'm sure he is desperate to make a massive impact next season."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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