Diame backed to deliver

Latics boss backs young midfielder to add to maiden strike

By Elliot Ball   Last updated: 8th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Diame backed to deliver

Diame: Fulfilling potential

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Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez believes there is more to come from Mohamed Diame after the midfielder opened his account at the weekend.

Diame scored his first goal in English football with a screamer at the Stadium of Light but Kenwyne Jones managed to rescue Sunderland a 1-1 draw in Saturday's Premier League encounter.

But Martinez felt the game was a significant milestone for his young French midfielder and has backed the 22-year-old to play a pivotal role in the Lactics' bid for survival which sees them play Stoke, Bolton and Tottenham in successive home fixtures.

"The Premier League, in that area, is full of athletes and the tempo is high and Momo has picked that up quick and it has been a pleasure to watch," the Wigan boss said of the 22-year-old.

"Now he has scored his first goal and he is slowly fulfilling his potential and is peaking and that is a great positive but he is still a young man and there is more to come."

Patience

Victor Moses is the latest talent to come through Wigan's doors and Martinez has urged for patience from the Latics supporters as the teenager adjusts to life in England's top tier.

"We have to allow Victor to feel himself around the place and remember he is a very young man," added the former Swansea tactician of Moses, who moved to the DW Stadium from Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day.

"When you rely on your physicality (and) when you step up a division - especially from the Championship to the Premier League - the gap is huge and it can maybe take longer than expected.

"Victor relies on his talent - he is a very skilful footballer - and it's going to be just a matter of time before he feels himself on the pitch."

Feel-good factor

Meanwhile, Martinez has revealed why Wigan have allowed Erik Edman to have his contract terminated by mutual consent.

The Spaniard added: "We found an agreement to allow Erik to go back home as I believe that is what he wanted to do.

"He has had a very tough period with a long-term injury and I'm sure he'll go back home and try to finish his career back in Sweden.

"He was nearly 18 months without first-team action and he needs to play games. The best way to do it is to go back to his home environment and get that feel-good factor.

"It is important he can be happy. I don't think he could find happiness without playing football.

"The whole situation was getting a bit difficult for him and I think it is the best solution for him to carry on enjoying his football."