Roberto Martinez is battling to hold on to Lee Cattermole, 21 - a £6million target for former Wigan manager Steve Bruce at Sunderland.
But the Latics manager thinks the midfielder can achieve his dream if he stays at the DW Stadium.
He said: "He is trying to get into England's World Cup squad and I've never seen anyone as focused as him.
"Lee is a leader - you don't get many players like him.
"In my eyes he deserves to be close to the World Cup squad and he is focused on the role he has at Wigan."