Regular places provides lift for James
James Tarkowski attributes his excellent early-season form for Latics to confidence.
The 20-year-old central defender (pictured) is now an integral part of the team after serving his apprenticeship as primarily a squad player.
He said: "I don't think much has changed other than I am playing with more confidence and it is making me look a lot more positive.
"It gives you confidence knowing you will start every week, but you cannot get too comfortable because I know there are players behind me who can come in and play. We have a lot of competition at the back."
While pleased with his own displays, Tarkowski has been disappointed by Latics' early-season results.
"I would rather be playing average and getting the team three points each week. And by doing that every week, we would get promotion and I would get more recognition," he continued.
Tarkowski added is not letting interest from other clubs distract him as he focuses on playing.
"I let my agent do his job and I am just concentrating on playing well because if you are not doing that you won’t get a move," he said.
Tarkowski is a student of the game and points to the players who have influenced and shaped his career at Boundary Park.
He explained that he went from being Rueben Hazell's boot boy while an apprentice to being his centre-back partner in the first team.
Tarkowski added that he also learned from the vastly experienced Sean Gregan who he also played alongside.
And despite his tender years, Tarkowski now finds himself helping the younger players with Glenn Belezika now his student.
"I am always talking to Glenn who, to be fair, is always trying to learn. I try to give him as much advice as I can about my position," he concluded.