Jewell pleased with Landzaat progress

Last updated : 20 February 2007 By Paul Farrington
Dutch international Landzaat had a slow start to his time with the club but performances have been steadily improving and climaxed at the Emirates Stadium with a wonder goal to cap an even better performance.

As a result, manager Paul Jewell was full of praise for the midfielder, although he never doubted Landzaat's quality.

Jewell said: "It has taken Denny a fair amount of time to settle here, there is no getting away from that. He has struggled to get to the pace of the game. But the signs against Reading, Portsmouth and Arsenal were encouraging and it seems he has grasped the nettle.

"Denny scored a great goal at Arsenal and hopefully that will give him plenty of confidence for the rest of the season. You don't play for Holland as often as he has done without being a good player, but Denny will admit himself he has struggled.

"In the last three games, though, he has started to show why we brought him here in the first place. I was talking to Arsene Wenger after last week's game and he said our midfield two were better then theirs (Cesc Fabregas and Gilberto) for long periods.

"Some settle quicker than others, that's something you have to accept. I think Julius Aghahowa will take time, although he's a different kettle of fish to Denny for example.

"Julius has come from Ukraine where his club were on a winter break. In an ideal world, he would have been on the bench for the first few games and come gradually into it.

"But circumstances haven't allowed that with Emile Heskey, Caleb Folan and Henri Camara having all been injured. We had to put him straight in, although saying that, I think he's done well in his first two appearances."


Landzaat is set to face Watford tomorrow night as the Latics aim to put eight points between themselves and West Ham who occupy the the highest relegation spot.

Julius Aghahowa may well be rested for the game with the return of Henri Camara, that is unless Paul Jewell wants to name the fastest front two in the top flight...