Talking Football: Who's made the grade for Wigan Athletic

Paul Kendrick runs the rule over the first quarter of Wigan Athletic's campaign, and delivers his early report card for the Class of 2018-19...(minimum two starts)...
Paul Kendrick says Latics look a more potent side with Will Grigg out therePaul Kendrick says Latics look a more potent side with Will Grigg out there
Paul Kendrick says Latics look a more potent side with Will Grigg out there

Christian Walton: 12 appearancesEver present in the league, and picked up where he left off last term, still areas to work on but continuing his development. B+

Antonee Robinson: 12 appearancesExciting when in full flow and tries to get forward at every opportunity. Has been caught out at the other end but a promising start. B

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Reece James: 11 (1) appearancesHard to believe this lad is only 18. Already looks the complete defender, ensuring last season’s player of the year, Nathan Byrne, hasn’t had a look-in. A+

Cedric Kipre: 13 appearancesThrown in at the deep end after joining from Motherwell the day before the season started, and getting better with every game as he settles in. B+

Chey Dunkley: 12 appearancesSuddenly the senior figure in the Latics backline with the injury to Dan Burn and has handled the responsibility with maturity, hardly put a foot wrong. A-

Lee Evans: 9 (1) appearancesWelcome return to the club from Sheffield United and slotted back into the engine room with minimum of fuss. Set-pieces are a major asset. B+

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Darron Gibson: 3 (4) appearancesHas looked a shrewd acquisition in the handful of outings, although been affected by injury and now suspension following his sending-off at Preston. B-

Sam Morsy: 11 appearances, 1 goalOne of the few in the squad to be a proven performer at this level and continues to lead the side from the front. Leader in every sense of the word. ACallum Connolly: 4 (5) appearances, 1 goalHis versatility has proved a major plus so far, and is a goal threat whenever he’s on the field. B

Gavin Massey 4 (1) appearancesStarted the season with a bang until his untimely injury at QPR...won’t be back until the New Year which is a hammer blow to player and club. C+

Michael Jacobs: 9 appearances, 2 goalsTwo goals on the opening day was the perfect way to answer any doubts he belongs at this level, far more consistent than two years ago. BCallum McManaman: 2 (6) appearancesOnly seen patches of his undoubted ability so far, has impressed off the bench but will be hoping for more starts in the lead up to Christmas. C+

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Nick Powell: 12 appearances, 4 goalsStill looks like he’s playing at a level below himself, leading to several opposition players/managers labelling him ‘the best player in the Championship’. A

Josh Windass 8 (2) appearances, 1 goalBig-money arrival from Rangers over the summer, opened his account against hometown club Hull but has floated in and out of some games. C+James Vaughan 2 (6) appearances, 2Puts himself about whenever he’s on the pitch, highlight being the crucial winning goal against Rotherham last month. C+

Will Grigg: 8 (2) appearances, 3 goalsDecent goal return given his minutes on the pitch, and despite being hampered by injuries. Latics look a more potent side with him out there. B+

Joe Garner: 3 (3) appearancesPunches (literally) well above his size and weight, gives the side a real edge when he’s on the field, although not clicked in the box as yet. C+