It is fair to say that the final few days of the transfer window were dominated by two players. First up, there was Robbie Keane’s dramatic return to White Hart Lane from Liverpool and then there was the extremely overdue deal which saw Andrei Arshavin arrive at Arsenal.
Meanwhile, out of the headlines, moving quietly and very shrewdly was Wigan boss Steve Bruce who managed to secure the signature of extremely highly-rated Newcastle United midfielder Charles N’Zogbia on deadline day.
They did have to part with Ryan Taylor as well as a bit of cash, but it’s worth it. N’Zogbia is a couple of years younger than Taylor and if we are being honest, he can really give Wigan something extra.
Having clinched the deal, Bruce was understandably very pleased and even admitted that he thought N’Zogbia would be ‘too expensive’ for the club to afford. Now that he is a Wigan player though, Bruce has revealed that he delighted to have signed someone with a ‘natural left foot’ and a huge amount of talent.
Something else Bruce points out is that at just 22-years-old, N’Zogbia has already played over 100 games in the Premier League. This means that he has enough experience to start making the most of his ability. Wigan can really benefit from this over the next couple of years.
The one concern about N’Zogbia for many is his personality and the rather destructive way he left Newcastle United. However, Bruce says he will ‘wipe the slate clean’ in a bid to make sure that the player starts to enjoy his football again.
Unlike Newcastle, N’Zogbia has joined team that is performing very well already. Bruce’s side has recorded back to back draws with Aston Villa and Liverpool and find themselves comfortably in the top half of the table.
In fact, some football odds are beginning to suggest that Wigan – who sit 7th – can challenge for a top six finish by the end of the season. This may be a little out of their reach, but with Charles N’Zogbia in their team, their chances are certainly increased.
By Thomas Rooney
