Wigan Athletic’s Missed Opportunity with Jan Mlakar Highlighted by Euro 2024 Inclusion

Jan Mlakar’s recent inclusion in Slovenia’s Euro 2024 squad starkly highlights Wigan Athletic’s oversight in not fully utilizing his talents during his stint with the club. Despite making only one appearance for Wigan during the 2019/20 season, Mlakar has gone on to prove his worth in European football.

During his time at Wigan, Mlakar was loaned from Premier League side Brighton but struggled to find playing time, contributing to the club’s disappointing season, which ended in relegation due to a 12-point deduction. The decision not to leverage Mlakar’s potential stands in contrast to his subsequent success across various European leagues.

After leaving Wigan, Mlakar flourished at Slovenian club Maribor, scoring 15 goals in 35 appearances and participating in the Europa League. His career continued to ascend with a move to Croatian giants Hajduk Split, where he impressed with 11 goals in 33 league matches and additional goals in cup competitions. This form earned him a spot in Slovenia’s squad for Euro 2024.

Mlakar’s inclusion in the Slovenian national team underscores what Wigan may have lost. His current achievements, including scoring for Pisa in Serie B and his contributions to Slovenia’s Euro 2024 campaign, reflect a player who has developed significantly since his brief and underwhelming tenure at Wigan.

As Mlakar prepares to face England in an upcoming Euro 2024 match, his potential to score against the Three Lions serves as a poignant reminder for Wigan fans of what could have been. His rise in European football stands as a testament to his resilience and talent, which were not fully recognized during his time at Wigan.

In hindsight, Wigan’s lack of opportunities for Mlakar appears even more questionable. His journey from a scarcely used loanee to a Euro 2024 participant illustrates a significant misjudgment on Wigan’s part. Fans and club management alike might reflect on how different their season could have been had Mlakar been given more chances to shine.