The Dutch international midfielder signed a three-year contract with Latics in July 2006 after signing from AZ Alkmaar, where he was club captain.

The 31-year old had previously spent his whole career in the Dutch league, and wanted to experience football away from his home country. Landzaat was also being chased by Spanish club Espanyol, but opted for Latics due to the ambition that was shown.

The Dutchman played an important part in AZ's campaign last term as he scored 10 goals from the middle of the park, helping them finish in second place in the Eredivisie behind PSV Eindhoven. Landzaat began his career at Ajax's famous youth academy and has also played with MVV Maasstricht and Willem II.

On signing for the club, Landzaat revealed that other Premiership based players such as Manchester United's Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Edwin Van Der Saar had also highly recommended Latics, saying "I have talked to a lot of my colleagues in the international team about Wigan and I know exactly what kind of club I am joining and what they have achieved over the past few years".

The midfielder also wasted no time in picking the No. 14 squad number, which was also worn by Holland legend Johan Cruyff in the 1970's.

Landzaat is a versatile player, and although his primary position is a central midfield role, he can also play on the right wing or play as an anchor man. In his first season at the JJB Stadium he made 33 Premiership appearances, and won Goal of the Month award on BBC's Match of the Day in February 2007 after his brilliant 35-yard strike in the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.

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