Mark Strickland
17 February, 2025
Sport

Wigan Athletic attacker Maleace Asamoah “determined” to get more minutes after playing Premier League Fulham

Wigan Athletic attacker Maleace Asamoah is “determined” to get more minutes after playing over an hour against Premier League team Fulham in the FA Cup.

Maleace Asamoah (left)

Despite the defeat, he said: “I enjoyed it. Not everyone gets the opportunity to play a Premier League side - regardless of the score. It was a good experience for me.

“I feel like I grew into the game. I think as the game went on, I feel like everyone grew into the game and had a good go of it.

“I was working hard in training and the opportunity fell on me and I was just ready to take it.”

On how his friends and his family reacted to Shaun Maloney selecting him for the team, he said: “They wished me good luck and I hope I made them proud.

“I’m enjoying every single moment, especially with the coaching staff and players. Everyone is friendly and welcomed me really well. It’s a good challenge - different from where I was before.”

Asamoah Jr joined Wigan from League Two Fleetwood Town in the summer for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year deal.

On the manager, Maloney, he said: “He’s been pushing me really hard, more defensively and getting in the right positions.

“Obviously, as an attacker, you always want goals and you want assists, but I feel like being a good team player and helping out the team, especially going backwards as well is a big part.

“I’m determined. I’m trying to get as many games as possible and next season, we’ll fight for play-offs and promotion.”

On playing Stockport, he added: “I think derbies are important because the battles are not the same as any other league game, so the win feels more like a reward.”