As we approach the halfway point of the season, the only guarantee is that Swansea will avoid the dreaded accolade of being bottom at Christmas. It’s fair to say that the side has adapted very well, at home at least, to the challenge of the Premier League. These are just my opinions on the players to have played a part so far:
Michel Vorm – undoubtedly one of the Premier League signings of the season. Has earned the Swans countless valuable points almost single handedly with several man of the match performances. One can only imagine that several ‘big club’ scouts will be looking for a new job for missing a player like him for such a bargain price.
Angel Rangel – Solid, has adapted fairly well to the top flight and dealt with some difficult customers en route. Has shown that he’s dangerous linking with Nathan Dyer on the right flank.
Jazz Richards – Has deputised well after Rangel’s injury. Has proven his ability to play at this level but also that he needs more time before he’s ready to command a permanent first team place.
Ashley Williams – Has been good in the air and with the ball at his feet. A key component in the whole ethic of the side. Has adapted seamlessly to completing with some of the best attackers in the world.
Steven Caulker – His injury was a real blow as he had forged a good partnership with Williams. Dominant in the air, reads the game brilliantly, especially for his age and has the all-round attributes to be a top class England international.
Garry Monk – Still seems to be struggling with his foot injury when asked to deputise for Steven Caulker. His organisational skills and aerial dominance are good enough but his positioning and lack of pace make him a target for the opposition. Still a great club captain and back up to have.
Neil Taylor – Started the season wonderfully, including keeping Theo Walcott and others completely in check and out of the game. Has since suffered a significant dip in form compared to his blistering start but still looks to have the potential to be a top flight left back for decades to come.
Leon Britton – Pure class, performs one of the most underrated tasks in football wonderfully well with a passing accuracy to rival the very best in the world. A true living Swansea legend and frankly one of the best players that we have ever had.
Mark Gower – One of the players that we need to replace if we are to progress. Has adapted brilliantly to the style and to a completely new role for him but he lacks the vision and speed of decision making to hurt the opposition.
Kemy Agustien – Not the defensive midfield enforcer that some think. Has an abundance of quality on the ball and at times seems to have the vision to pick out the occasional special pass. His downside is a lack of discipline when the opposition have the ball. Seems lost and unable to stick to the formation. Overall, has the potential to learn to be a very good player but not quite ready yet to hold a first team spot.
Joe Allen – A true rising star who is proving in most games that he’s the difference between getting a result and not. Brilliant both with and without the ball, could genuinely fit into almost any side in the Premier League.
Andrea Orlandi – The little football he has seen has only proven without doubt that he is too lightweight for the British game. Has the technical ability but has found that he’s completely incapable of affecting the flow of a match.
Craig Beattie – Has nowhere near the quality to play at this level and doesn’t fit into Swansea’s style of play.
Stephen Dobbie – Just hasn’t had a chance to get into the side. In my opinion based on performances last season, he’s unlikely to be able to make a massive impact in the Premier League but if he is able to take his chance when it comes, then who knows?
Wayne Routledge – A difficult player to pin down. The experiment of deploying him as the attacking midfielder has proven that he’s not capable and is suited to wing play. Brilliantly cutting at times but not clinical in front of goal and often holds on to the ball for far too long before choosing a pass. A good player to have in the squad but I doubt that he’ll be the difference at the end of the season.
Leroy Lita – A good back up to Graham. His pace and aggression is a thorn to top flight defenders and the goals that he chips in with could be the difference in survival or relegation.
Luke Moore – Another player who simply doesn’t fit the mould. Doesn’t fit the attacking midfielder position and lacks the work rate needed to be the lone striker. A costly mistake.
Danny Graham – Doesn’t possess the genius movement of Fabio Borini but has proven himself a lethal finisher and more than capable of scoring at this level. Fits well with the style of play and despite often being isolated, works extremely hard with his link up play. Well worth the money paid for him and integral to the side.
Scott Sinclair – Has frankly underperformed. Has looked overly under pressure since the opening match and since, his first touch has deserted him and he’s lost that clinical edge that he possessed last season. A singular spark may be enough to set his season alight.
Nathan Dyer – His blistering pace and incisive runs have been a constant thorn in the side of defences this season. Has recently lost his place but will be a critical weapon in the fight for survival.
Brendan Rodgers – Has done very well with the players and resources at his disposal. Has steered a difficult start into a brilliant home record but has yet to find a set of tactics to bring home three points from England. Defensively, the pressing of opposition players on the ball works brilliantly but I’d love to see the players actually attempt to dispossess the ball carrier far earlier before they have a chance to create a chance. Offensively, I don’t think that Swansea have ever really filled the gap left by Jordi Gomez. Joe Allen does well going forward but isn’t a natural at finding the gap between the defence and midfield. If Brendan is able to find some real quality to add depth in the key positions, particularly an attacking midfielder to link our play to Danny Graham’s movement, I think the side could realistically look at a top ten finish. Overall, it’s fair to say that Brendan’s side have answered several of the critics who said that the passing football style wouldn’t work in the Premier League, vindicating his and Huw Jenkins’ brave decisions.
