Wigan yesterday completed a deal to bring diminutive Spanish winger Albert Crusat from La Liga’s Almería to the DW Stadium. The 29 year-old arrives on a two-year contract, with the Latics having the option to extend it to a third.
Standing at just 5ft 5in, Crusat is renowned for his pace and dribbling skills and will help Roberto Martinez replace the void left by the departure of the influential Charles N’Zogbia to Aston Villa.
The Statistics
A product of the Espanyol youth system, Crusat made his debut in the 2002-03 season but never really established himself until a move to Almeria three years later. He helped lead the club to their first ever season in La Liga and his displays even had Barcelona eyeing up a move.
Crusat racked up 199 appearances at Almeria, notching 33 goals over six seasons, though a closer look at his La Liga appearances shows promise- 131 appearances in Spain’s top-flight brought 14 goals and 21 assists, indicating his eye for goal and creative ability.
In addition to his pace and trickery, Crusat has shown he’s a spiky little fella- 34 La Liga yellow cards and 2 reds indicate a temperamental, yet nonetheless talented, character.
The Prospects
Wigan started with Victor Moses and Hugo Rodallega flanking Franco Di Santo against QPR on Saturday; it was Rodallega who spent the bulk of his time on the left although he often tucked inside, allowing Maynor Figueroa to drive forward from full-back. A left-sided player, Crusat will clearly offer Martinez the option of a standard 4-4-2 with Moses perhaps taking the right-flank role.
Long-term, even with the 4-3-3 system, Di Santo will have to maintain his form to hold off Rodallega for the central striking role and that could eventually open the way for the little Spaniard to hold down a starting berth. Today’s news that Shaun Maloney is on his way from Celtic to the Latics affords Martinez further options, though, and with an increase in attackers, it may be a case of “wait and see” before he decides on a settled first XI
The Wigan boss has high hopes for his new signing…
“He will add something completely new to the squad, he has electric speed, really quick feet.. He is an explosive player, who understands how to affect games with his attributes, having earned his long experience in such a competitive, tactical and demanding league as La Liga.”
“He is compact physically, but has great upper body strength, and I am confident he can adapt quickly to the demands of the Barclays Premier League…I think our fans will take to him because he is a really exciting player, who can bring a crowd to their feet.”
