The 29 year old Spaniard has seen his initial months in England troubled by a problematic ankle injury. However he has now shaken off the problem and Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post that Crusat is ready to have an impact.
He said: “The way Albert plays, the explosive pace he has and the impact he can make, can really kickstart our season.”
“He’s struggled with an ankle injury since he’s been here, which has been really disappointing for us all – not least Albert himself. It’s really disrupted his adaptation period, but it was great to see him involved at Newcastle and I thought he looked very sharp.
“As you saw, Albert is a player who will flourish in the Premier League, someone who’ll give us a lot of options in attack. We have to be patient with him while he finds his feet but, once he does that properly, he’ll be worth the wait.”
There was also a message to supporters who have been a little impatient in waiting for Crusat to be seen on the pitch. Martinez was at pains to stress that time and care must be taken over such players who need time to adjust to life, culture, and football in the country before being thrust into the limelight.
“Albert’s played in La Liga for a number of years in similar circumstances to here,” Martinez added.
“You always have to be patient with a player from a different country, a different culture, a different way of playing, a different way of being refereed.
“But I have already seen clear signs that he has found his feet. He knows exactly what it’s like to be in this kind of situation, where you have to really fight against bigger teams, and that experience will be invaluable.”
Crusat is expected to retain his place in the starting line up for the visit of Fulham to the DW Stadium this weekend in a crucial fixture for the Latics.
Source: FOOTYMAD
