Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez: Stoke City are the best team in the world at capitalising on set-pieces

Spaniard holds Pulis' Potters in the highest of regards...

9 Feb 2010 08:33:00

By Alan Dawson

More On :  Stoke City, Wigan Athletic
Rory Delap delivers another long throw as Stoke stun Arsenal (PA)
Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic side entertain Stoke City on Tuesday evening, and the Spaniard will be wary over the threat their visitors pose from dead-ball situations, as Martinez views Tony Pulis' Potters as the best in the world at setting-up play from set-pieces.

"They are still the best team in world football at what they are doing," Martinez exclaimed in The Sun.

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"From Rory Delap's throw-ins and from set-plays, their strategy is great and they can score from anywhere.

"Fans always value football and results and Stoke have been very successful," Martinez said, praising the side currently ranked 11th in the Premier League, with six points more than the Latics.

The reverse fixture earlier in the season produced a goal that will surely be lauded as one of the best of the year as Maynor Figueroa's strike from inside his own area caught Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen unawares.

"I think Thomas will be on his toes this time," Pulis noted.

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