Annual Player Reviews

As the season closes, here is my annual review of the playing squad.

Player of the season?

Titus Bramble

The standout performer, often vilified by the media but has been a rock in defence this season. A skilful defender which is a legacy of his days as a centre forward in his youth, Titus has been the cement holding the back four together and it is hoped that we get him signed to a long term contract sooner rather than later.

Rating?.9/10




High Achievers

Antonio Valencia

“Tony ” has been Latics best and on occasions only creative attacking outlet for much of the season and its little wonder he has attracted interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United.
A big money move is expected for the quiet and unassuming Ecuadorian and whoever his replacement is will have a hard act to follow

8.5/10

Lee Cattermole

“Super Lee” has been the driving force in midfield this season although his tackling style has cost him 9 yellow cards and 2 reds with the resultant suspensions hitting Latics` hard. Has captained the Latics` a couple of times and is seen as the future successor to Mario Melchiot.
SSN stats show he has made the most tackles of anyone in the Premier League which is amazing if you include the fact that he has been suspended ofe six games during the season.

8.5/10

Emerson Boyce

Steady Eddie has lived up to his nickname and has been first choice centre half alongside Bramble for much of the season, co-inciding with our best defensive performances. Another player we need to sign to a long term contract.

8/10

Maynor Figueroa

No co-incidence that our best players are all defensive orientated. Came to the attention of most fans when he shackled Ronaldo in the last game of the 07/08 season and has gone from strength to strength ,playing in every game.

8/10




Solid and Reliable

Mario Melchiot

Mario isn`t as quick as he once was but reads the game superbly and his link with Valencia has proved fruitful on more than one occasion. Rumoured to be leaving in the summer which will be a blow to the club

7/10

Paul Scharner

Not as good a season as the last and has failed to score a single goal this season. Has been third choice centre half for a significant part of the season and since being pushed into midfield he has struggled.

7/10

Chris Kirkland

Awarded the dubious honour by another website as worse player of the season in a Sunday paper ,this is totally ridiculous.

Chris has pulled off enough saves this season to once again keep us in the Premier League. True he conceded 8 goals in 2 games but this co-incided with awful performances from the players in front of him.

7/10




The Bright Hope?.

Hugo Rodellega

He`s quick, has a great shot and appears totally committed to the cause. Needs to have some support plus a supply of quality ball.

7/10




Must do Better

Charles N`Zogbia

Not convinced that Charles is the man to solve our left wing problems . A very skilful player but lets himself down with his crossing and passing.

6/10

Ben Watson

One for the future, young Ben has contributed a couple of crucial goals. Not sure whether he is the answer to our creative midfield problems.

6/10

Michael Brown

Why have the majority of our best goal scoring opportunities fallen to a guy who hasn`t scored for five seasons. Limited in his flair but cannot question his commitment. Age is against him staying at the Latics next season.

6/10

Amr Zaki

Up until November would have been up there with Bramble but then the wheels came off. Going AWOL followed by only bit parts as Zaki looked a shadow of his former self.
No idea where he will be next season but it wont be with us

First half season?8/10 second half ?.4/10

Overall 6/10





Big Disappointments

Daniel Be Ridder?

No doubting Dan the man`s skills but whether they are suited for the Premier League is debatable. Only a bit part player this season and NOT to be seen as Valencia`s replacement.

5/10

Mido

Has worked hard to get fitter but doesn`t look the part and has increasingly seemed dis-interested.

5/10

Olivier Kapo

When you look at his pedigree he has been a major let down and its to be hoped we grant he wish and let him go in the summer.

3/10




Others who have made minor contributions are;

Mike Pollitt, Erik Edman, Jason Koumas, Won-Hee Cho, Antoine Siberski, Henri Camara, and Richard Kingson



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