Wigan Athletic new-boy: 'I’m not into coming into this group as Messiah'

The German-born Nigerian international defender is here from Premier League Brighton until the end of the season.

Having been thrust into the limelight immediately – following Chey Dunkley’s red card against Middlesbrough – he’s already making his presence count, marking his first start at Cardiff with an imperious display.

And he’s relishing the opportunity of regular football having been something of a spectator this term with his parent club.

“It’s no secret I haven’t been playing a lot at Brighton,” he told the Wigan Observer.

“And as far as I’m concerned, it’s about getting into my game here as quickly as possible and helping the group.

“I’m not into coming into this group and acting as the Messiah – that doesn’t fit for me.

“I want to settle in and play my part in the team effort, and do whatever I can to help the group.

“Experience is something I know I can bring to the table.

“Physicality, that’s something I don’t really think the team is lacking, having only been here a few weeks.

“It’s basically me just adding something here and there, on the football side and maybe even off the field in terms of guidance.

“It’s about getting the most out of the mix we already have here, and adding to the cocktail with a little bit of something else.”

Prior to the Middlesbrough game, when he entered the fray as a substitute to cover the loss of Dunkley, Balogun’s last league outing for Brighton was on Boxing Day 2018.

But he says his natural fitness will enable him to get by while he shakes off any remaining ring rust.

“Obviously match fitness and fitness are two different pairs of shoes,” Balogun acknowledged.

“But I have never really struggled when it comes to fitness, luckily I have always been very good in that respect.

“Probably it will take a couple of games for me to get to exactly where I want to be.

“But I think my experience will allow me to see my way through games while that is coming,that is something I can give the group.”