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Roger Espinoza is now free to join Wigan after receiving his United Kingdom work permit on Monday. The 26-year-old midfielder leaves Sporting Kansas City on a free transfer, having played the previous five season with the MLS outfit.
Until last year, though, he was mostly seen as a ball winner, but little more. That started to change in 2011 when Kansas City coach Peter Vermes really started to institute his high-pressure style that perfectly showcased Espinoza's talents, which go well beyond his two goals and 11 assists in 8,250 career minutes.
He carried success as the club level into regular appearances with the Honduras national team. Playing in the most recent Olympics, he really started to shine and got onto the radar of clubs like Wigan where he'll join countryman Maynor Figueroa. His best international game probably came against Brazil in the Olympic quarterfinals, where he scored a goal. He's expected to be eligible in time for Wigan's FA Cup tie against Bournemouth.