Roberto Martinez claims Hugo Rodallega has finally shaken off the effects of a busy summer and is ready to spearhead Wigan's attack.
Latics boss blames striker's slow start on Copa America
Roberto Martinez claims Hugo Rodallega has finally shaken off the effects of a busy summer and is ready to spearhead Wigan's attack.
The Latics frontman has struggled to produce his best this season and is yet to open his goal account after eight Premier League outings.
Martinez is refusing to criticise his highly-rated forward, though, because he believes the 26-year-old has been held back by his international exertions during pre-season.
Turning out for Colombia at the Copa America left Rodallega drained at the start of the new domestic campaign and it has taken him a couple of months to regain full fitness and confidence in his ability.
"Any player who plays in the Copa America tends to start the season quite slowly," said Martinez.
"Last week was the first time Hugo has been himself, so I would say the season starts for him now.
Demanding
"It is a very demanding competition. The World Cup can be the same but the Copa America, with the time difference and travelling, really sets you back and affects your pre-season work.
"Hugo has been affected but now he is ready physically and feels fresh enough to cope with the demands of the Premier League."
Martinez also believes that one goal is all it will take to kick-start Rodallega's campaign and have him terrorising top-flight defences once again.
"Strikers want to score but probably he is more focused on the team trying to be a good attacking threat as a whole, and developing his relationships with the players around him," said the Wigan boss.
"It has been a difficult start to the season for Hugo because of the little niggles but he is ready now."
