Latics in Austria - Day 3: Koumas and Gomez relishing Roberto revolution

Latics Head of Media ED JONES catches up with two players who could add a touch of flair to new-look Latics.

Every team needs a bit of magic, every manager is looking for that special player who can unlock a defence.

Bottom line, every fan of every club loves a flair player, don't they?

When Roberto Martinez unveiled his first new signing of the summer in Jordi Gomez, last season's Championship Player of the season, it came as no great surprise: an exciting player with a touch to die for and the ability to create something with a little twist of his boot, a burst of speed, or that X factor that all defenders dread: a player who comes straight at them, ball sticking to his feet like glue, committing him to the tackle on the edge of - or even better, just inside! - the area.

But few would have probably predicted that Roberto would unearth a second player of similar flair sitting right under his nose, in his very own dressing room!

By his own admission, Jason Koumas has been a disappointment since arriving at the club as a big money signing from West Bromwich Albion two seasons ago.

Without wanting to raise expectations too high too soon, could that be about to change?

All Latics fans - and Roberto Martinez - wonder.

"I hope so," says a relaxed Koumas, with a smile, "I really hope so. I know I can do better than I have done. I don't think it's fair to say anything about the past, and I shoulder a lot of the blame for not finding my best form myself, but I really hope that the way the gaffer is wanting to make us play suits my style."

Far from any feeling of trepidation when he heard the news about Roberto Martinez's appointment, Koumas says his first reaction was one of excitement.

"I know Swansea players Ashley Williams and Joe Allen from the Wales squad, and they had only good things to say about the manager and the way the team would play. So I knew exactly what to expect."

For his part, Roberto himself clearly pinpointed Koumas as an important player.

"Jason is a very special talent," says the gaffer, "and it's up to us to get the best out of him. I don't like to single players out, because my number one priority is the strength of the group. Without that we are nothing. But Jason is a player who can hurt teams, there's no doubt about that, and it's up to us as a management team to use his talents to the maximum and to be able to make him fulfil his potential."

Koumas reveals that any doubts he did have in his mind were erased within minutes of reporting back for pre-season.

"I had a long meeting with the gaffer on the first day back, and I knew then I was going to be happy working under him."

But he adds: "Listen, I've been in and out of the side since coming here, and I will never take a place in the team for granted. I know I have to earn my place.

"The competition in midfield is absolutely fierce, but what the last couple of weeks have given me is the confidence to play my natural game, which maybe I haven't been able to do consistently here at Wigan."

Not many Latics fans had the privilege to see Koumas in action against Hannover last night, but take it from one who was there in the picturesque Alpine stadium of Bad Bleiberg, there were a couple of Koumas moments to take your breath away.

Still, as he says himself, it's early days.

"This week has really been about fitness and trying to reach a good level but the tactical work we are doing has been enjoyable for me and I want to do everything I can to get in the side, that's for sure."

Gomez in action against Hannover

And about his new team mate, Gomez?

"Quality, and a really nice guy as well," says Koumas. "Hopefully, I'll get the chance to play alongside him."

For Jordi, the Roberto regime is something he has become used to over the past 12 months whilst he was on loan to Swansea City from Espanyol, and the boy from Barcelona brings new meaning to phrase 'laid back.'

"Roberto Martinez is the reason I signed for this club," he says in softly spoken but very adequate English. "I love the way he wants his team to play and he knows the things I can do. I am rally excited about being here.

"When I train with the team, I see so much quality in the squad and it's going to be really tough to get in the side, I know that. We have a lot of midfielders so I know I'm going to have to be at my best."

And about Koumas?

"I knew him from the television, he is a big star in Wales, and he seems a really good player.

"But it's not about me or Jason, we are a team, that is what the manager really believes in and the spirit among the team seems really good."

It's flair to say these are two players the Latics fans would love to see weaving their magic at the DW Stadium next season!