The Paraguayan, right-sided centre back caught the eye of Roberto Martinez when he powered a header passed Italy in the 2010 FIFA World Cup group stage.
A similar header has defined Alcaraz’s time with Latics as it was his goal against Blackburn Rovers in May 2012 that secured the team’s safety in the Barclays Premier League with a 1-0 victory at Ewood Park.
Since his move in the summer of 2010, he has been acclaimed as one of the best defenders at the club and his formation with Gary Caldwell and Maynor Figueroa in defence in the 2011/2012 season meant that Latics conceded just 10 goals in the last 11 games of the season.
His heading ability and sharp-eye to read the game gives him a controlled presence in defence, whilst also being a threat going forward with his knowledge of the game and skill to run forward with the ball at his feet.
Before his journey to the DW Stadium, Alcaraz plied his trade in Belgium where he helped Club Brugge to two third place finishes and was once a runner-up in the Belgian Pro League. Whilst at the Brugge-based club, the Paraguayan tasted continental competition, playing in the UEFA Cup and Europa League. His first experience of football in Europe was in Portugal with Beira-Mar where he captained the side into the Portuguese top flight over a four year spell.
The defender’s international pedigree isn’t just summed up by a goal in the World Cup, he also helped his national team to the final of the 2011 Copa America in Argentina but suffered a 3-0 defeat to Uruguay.