Young defender is key man for Latics
James Tarkowski has admitted he has had to adjust his style of play in the wake of the departure of giant central defender Jean-Yves M'voto.
The 20-year-old defender says he has had to slightly alter his game and become more of a leader playing alongside David Mellor in the first three competitive fixtures of the campaign.
Tarkowski (pictured) said: "I have to be more aggressive in the air and attack the ball whereas when Jean was beside me I would let him do that more than I did.
"There has also been a change of style. We are now playing out from the back which suits me rather than getting the ball quickly into our opponents' half and then playing."
Tarkowski, who has already made 56 first-team appearances, added it is peculiar to already be one of their most experienced defenders.
"It is strange for somebody so young to be looking down to lads of 17 and 18 years of age," he continued.
The 20-year-old defender says he has had to slightly alter his game and become more of a leader playing alongside David Mellor in the first three competitive fixtures of the campaign.
Tarkowski (pictured) said: "I have to be more aggressive in the air and attack the ball whereas when Jean was beside me I would let him do that more than I did.
"There has also been a change of style. We are now playing out from the back which suits me rather than getting the ball quickly into our opponents' half and then playing."
Tarkowski, who has already made 56 first-team appearances, added it is peculiar to already be one of their most experienced defenders.
"It is strange for somebody so young to be looking down to lads of 17 and 18 years of age," he continued.
Tarkowski is disappointed Latics have failed to build on their opening-day victory at Stevenage in Sky Bet League 1.
He remains upbeat in the wake of back-to-back home defeats by Derby County and Walsall.
Tarkowski said: "It was slightly disappointing to lose 1-0 each time and we need to improve our performances at the back and going forward.
"We still have every confidence in ourselves that we can have a good season."
Tarkowski believes Latics can upset the form book with victory at Peterborough who have won their first three competitive fixtures in which they have scored a total of 10 goals and conceded only three.
"We fancy our chances and, as we have seen, anybody can beat anybody in this league. Hopefully we will put in a good performance and pick up three points," he concluded.
"We fancy our chances and, as we have seen, anybody can beat anybody in this league. Hopefully we will put in a good performance and pick up three points," he concluded.