Martinez tips Henriquez to shine

Roberto Martinez has tipped Angelo Henriquez to become a Wigan crowd pleaser following his arrival on loan from Manchester United.

Last Updated: 06/01/13 at 14:23 Post Comment   

Angelo Henriquez: Made his Latics debut on Saturday

Angelo Henriquez: Made his Latics debut on Saturday

Henriquez was handed his debut as a half-time substitute in yesterday's 1-1 FA Cup draw with League One Bournemouth on Saturday.

And he certainly provided Ernie Howe's men with something to think about, heading against the bar within minutes of his arrival and unsettling the visitors' defence with his pace.

Indeed, given his desire to peel off the last defender, it was easy to make comparisons with a present United star, Javier Hernandez.

At just 18, the Chile international clearly has much developing to do.

But Martinez has already seen enough to believe Henriquez's stay at Wigan will be a successful one.

"There is such a freshness about his play," said the Wigan boss.

"Angelo's movement was outstanding and his knack of getting a couple of yards in the box gave him a very good chance, which nearly brought him his first Wigan goal.

"I have a feeling he is going to be a real crowd favourite."

He looks like being a useful stand-in for Arouna Kone, who has now left for African Nations Cup duty with the Ivory Coast and is unlikely to be in Wigan colours again until the middle of next month.

"Angelo tries to be very clever," said Martinez.

"Because he is not the most physical, he avoids 50-50 contact with defenders. But his running into space is really sharp and incisive.

"We do need to get to know him a little bit better. Sometimes he made some great moves and we couldn't see him.

"But he will give us a completely different dimension.

"His attitude is incredible. He is a young man with great standards who is desperate to be successful in the Premier League."

It was a glowing tribute, although the qualification about Henriquez getting to know his team-mates is the major reason why Martinez remained upbeat despite his side needing to embark on a lengthy trip to the south coast for a replay in between key Premier League fixtures against Fulham and Sunderland.

For fellow new-boy Roger Espinoza is also on a crash course in English football, whilst, Martinez simply does not believe the under-21 development league is good enough for others, including Roman Golobart to get a meaningful football education.

The 20-year-old turned in an assured performance in the centre of Wigan's defence on his debut yesterday.

And after 25 appearances on loan at Inverness Caledonian Thistle last season, Golobart can now look forward to more senior action at Dean Court on Tuesday week.

"There is a real programme behind Roman," said Martinez.

"The idea has always been to create a good environment for youngsters to be given an opportunity in the first team. Then it is down to them to take it.

"At 20 he is powerful and a good marker who reads the game well. He is a real communicator and leader.

"It is great to have someone like that at the club."

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