Scouting Report: Roger Espinoza

The Honduran star, was sensational at this years Olympics and was part of the side that tore apart a Brazil side which included the likes of Oscar and Neymar. Roger Espinoza was on form and in total control of the midfield, the man is consider and box to box player, and he was until he got himself sent off.

However since then his reputation outside of the USA has developed and rapidly, with many Premier League clubs chasing the player, with his contract to ends with Sporting Kansas City this December at the end of the MLS season. Reports have heavily linked the player with Wigan due to the long Honduran link with the Latics.

The likely hood of the deal being true? Quite high as we do have very good connections with teams, agents and players from the south and central american countries.

So what about the player himself? Apart from the fact that he plays in the MLS as a box to box midfielder, and with a great engine on him, I don't know much else about the player. A bit of research shows he is very much like Wilson Palacios in style of play and ability, great at getting the ball and passing it off short, yet his ability to find the net; better not talked about.

Luckily for me though I know more of an expert on the subject. The man behind The Daily Wiz (SB Nation's Kansas City blog), AlexEnglen has been on hand to answer a few questions about Wigan's possible January signing.

What were your first impressions of Roger Espinoza when he signed for Kansas City in 2008? Did you ever see him doing as well as he has?

Roger was originally signed in the 2008 SuperDraft as Sporting KC's 11th pick in the 1st round. Roger went on to play in 22 games for Sporting KC that season, starting 12, primarily playing at left back. That was the last year Sporting made the playoffs until they reappeared in the post season in 2011. When I first saw him play I couldn't help but notice his work effort, yet there wasn't any real sign that he would go as far as he has.

What role does he play for your club? How important his he too your team because of his role within the squad?

Currently Espinoza plays in a 4-3-3 formation for Sporting KC. He plays in a three man midfield, filling the box-to-box midfielder role for KC. He has a good amount of stamina and aggression. Noted for his bull-dog like approach to the game, Espinoza goes into every challenge 100% and will give everything he has for his team. Also notable traits of Roger are his short and long passing abilities, as well as his distance shot.

Would he be a big hit in the Premier League?

Judging other Honduran's success at Wigan Athletic I would have to say yes. He'll fit in well to the EPL's physical style of play and could become a fan favorite.

Thanks Alex, looks like we could be in for a treat if he chooses to join Latics.