Swansea City Manager Search: Latest News, Rumours, Speculation on Position
Dec 10, 2015
SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 09: Stadium exterior shot as supporters arrive during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Hull City at the Liberty Stadium on December 9, 2013 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Swansea City have begun interviewing candidates for their vacant managerial role following the sacking of Garry Monk, per Gareth Vincent of the South Wales Evening Post.
Frank de Boer, Marcelo Bielsa, David Moyes and Ryan Giggs have all been linked to the job.
Continue for updates.
De Boer Comments on Swansea Rumours
Friday, Jan. 1
"The last club I was linked with was Swansea City. I have had no contact with them at this time," Ajax boss De Boer said, per Omnisport (h/t Eurosport).
"But what if these people paint me a pretty picture that they are in that category of clubs with which I could do something beautiful? Like clubs such as Tottenham and Liverpool. Those are the sort of clubs with which you would want to work. But the most important thing would be the feeling I get," De Boer added.
Report: Bielsa Emerges as Key Candidate
Tuesday, Dec. 15
"Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins travelled to South America, according to Sky sources, with Marcelo Bielsa the latest name reportedly linked with the vacancy at the club," relayed Allan Valente of Sky Sports, adding: "The former Argentina and Chile coach is understood to be Jenkins' main target to take over at the Liberty Stadium."
Moyes Clarifies Level of Interest in Swansea Vacancy
Friday, Dec. 11
"I’m not interested in the [Swansea] job, I let that be known earlier in the week that it wasn’t for me," former Manchester United and Real Sociedad manager Moyes told talkSPORT, reported by the Press Association (h/t the Guardian).
Swans Eager to Talk to Giggs
Thursday, Dec. 10
According to the Independent's Mark Ogden, Swansea are anxious to speak to Manchester United assistant manager Giggs regarding his plans for the future before they make a decision on their next manager. Giggs is one of the favourites to replace United manager Louis van Gaal when his contract expires at the end of next season.
Giggs, who has made no secret of his desire to manage a club, per Ogden, may not be willing to wait that long for his turn, opening the door for a move to Wales. As a younger manager who happens to be Welsh, the Red Devils legend would fit Swansea's criteria perfectly.
According to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, Giggs is "prepared to sacrifice" the opportunity of replacing Van Gaal to take a job with another club.
His appointment would represent a major coup for Swansea, but convincing him to leave United after so many years with the club—he's been with United since 1987—could be a challenge. He's relatively inexperienced as well, so there's no guarantee he would be able to improve Swansea's fortunes and avoid relegation at the end of the campaign.
Swansea to Subsidise Away Tickets for Fans, Keeping Cost to £22
Jul 8, 2015
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Bafetimbi Gomis of Swansea City celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on May 11, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Swansea City have revealed plans to subsidise the cost of away tickets to fans for the 2015/16 season.
The scheme, named "True to 22," will mean no adult ticket will cost more than £22, whilst concession tickets will be capped at £15 and just £10 for kids.
Fair play to @SwansOfficial, great to see a club taking steps forward to support loyal away fans. Proper club, run the right way.
Vice-chairman Leigh Dineen explained the details behind the deal on the Swansea City website:
We worked hard on reducing away ticket prices for our supporters last season through reciprocal deals with other clubs. Unfortunately, we were unable to finalise deals with all the clubs for different reasons.
Therefore, while we introduced other away fan benefits, we felt it would be more beneficial to our supporters if we took the step of guaranteeing them cheaper tickets for all our away games, whether there was a reciprocal deal in place or not.
The move is sure to be welcomed by fans, with some away tickets previously costing in excess of £50.
Andre Ayew to Swansea City: Latest Transfer Details, Comments and Reaction
Jun 10, 2015
Marseille's Ghanaian forward Andre Ayew, right, runs past Monaco's midfielder Bernardo Silva during a League One soccer match between Marseille and Monaco at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, southern France, Sunday, May 10, 2015. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)
Swansea City have confirmed the signing of forward Andre Ayew on a free transfer from Marseille.
The Ghanaian international has signed a four-year deal at the Liberty Stadium following the expiration of his contract with the Ligue 1 side.
The Swans reported the news of their latest signing on Wednesday:
The 25-year-old Ayew's move to south Wales is still "subject to Premier League and international clearance," per the club's website.
The deal is something of a coup for Swansea, Ayew having been linked to a number of more high-profile sides, per Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson:
The winger netted 10 times as Marseille finished fourth in Ligue 1 in the 2014-15 season, per WhoScored.com, and he will be a fine addition to Garry Monk's talented squad, as noted by Agence France-Presse's Tom Williams.
His tremendous versatility and attacking guile should see him fit in perfectly at Swansea, a side very much on the up following another fine Premier League season in which they finished in eighth place.
Bafetimbi Gomis Injury: Updates on Swansea Star's Hamstring and Return
Apr 11, 2015
SWANSEA, WALES - APRIL 04: Bafetimbi Gomis of Swansea City celebrates his second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Hull City at Liberty Stadium on April 4, 2015 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Swansea City's attack has been dented by a hamstring injury to striker Bafetimbi Gomis. The Frenchman was withdrawn during the early stages of the Swans' Premier League clash with Everton.
Continue for updates.
Gomis Out for 4 Weeks
Thursday, April 16
Swansea's official Twitter confirmed that Gomis would spend a month on the sidelines as a result of his latest fitness setback.
On Saturday, Gomis tweeted a message of support for his teammates:
Gomis left the pitch following an apparent hamstring problem against Everton on April 11, per the club's official Twitter account:
16: Bad news for the #Swans as @BafGomis goes down holding his hamstring. Marvin Emnes to replace the French striker. #SWAEVE
The striker had been leading the line well since Wilfried Bony joined Manchester City back in January. The choice of Marvin Emnes to replace the 29-year-old was a curious one.
A talented but temperamental Dutchman, Emnes hasn't scored a goal in 11 Premier League appearances this season, per ESPN FC. Emnes is not really a natural striker; he's more effective from the flanks or in a supporting role.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Marvin Emnes of Swansea City is challenged by Dusan Tadic of Southampton during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Swansea City at St Mary's Stadium on February 1, 2015 in Southampton, England.
Still, manager Garry Monk opted against introducing 23-year-old Portuguese forward Nelson Oliveira. Without a powerful presence through the middle, much of Swansea's approach play will be wasted.
Gomis' absence will be felt.
Bafetimbi Gomis Set to Return After on-Pitch Collapse During Spurs vs. Swansea
Mar 4, 2015
Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis is back in training after collapsing on the White Hart Lane pitch during the Welsh side's Premier League loss to Tottenham on Mar. 4.
Continue for updates.
Swansea Confirm Gomis Return
Wednesday, Mar. 11
A club spokesman confirmed the French striker is training once more: "Bafe is back in Swansea and trained today," said the representative, per Rob Owen of Wales Online.
Owen suggests the squad was given a six-day break after losing to Spurs, with Gomis making a trip to France during his time off. With this in mind, he hasn't missed a training session ahead of the clash with Liverpool on Mar. 16.
Gomis Collapses During Loss to Spurs
Wednesday, Mar. 4
Spurs winger Nacer Chadli opened the scoring in the seventh minute of Swansea's trip to White Hart Lane, with Gomis collapsing in the wake of the goal. The South Wales Evening Post's Gareth Vincent, ESPN FC and the Premier League described the circumstances:
Gomis collapsed after the goal and before the game had restarted. White Hart Lane has fallen silent
Garry Monk commented on Gomis' history with the illness, per Vincent: "It’s something we’re aware of. It’s part of his history, he has had all the medical checks. It's to do with low blood pressure. It’s something he has lived with all his life."
Monk also added what the next step will be for Gomis:
Monk says Gomis will go to hospital for precautionary checks. Says this is first time this has happened since he joined #Swans
Gomis previously took to Twitter to provide an update on his status:
I Wanted to reassure you concerning my Health , it actually looks much more scary than physically dangerous and I am feeling well now. I have been under a great deal of stress and fatigue due to my father health that requires me to go back and forth to France. I was disappointed that I couldn't help my team tonight but now everything is back In order. I also want to thank everyone for their support and get Well messages.
It was no doubt a scary scene, but fortunately it seems Gomis is ready for Swansea's final run of 10 Premier League matches.
Kyle Naughton to Swansea: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More
Jan 22, 2015
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: A dejected Kyle Naughton of Spurs walks off the pitch after receiving the red card forhandball during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at Boleyn Ground on August 16, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Swansea City have offered Kyle Naughton the chance to resurrect his ailing Premier League career. The Swans confirmed the signing of the under-performing former Tottenham full-back on Thursday.
Swansea confirmed the move via their Twitter account:
Spurs will recoup around £5 million for Naughton's services, per Dave Kidd of the Daily Mirror.
The move represents an excellent chance for Naughton to re-establish himself in England's top flight, having failed to truly showcase his talents in north London.
Naughton joined Spurs from Sheffield United in the summer of 2009 in a double deal that also brought Kyle Walker to White Hart Lane. But while fellow defender Walker quickly became a hit, earning the starting right-back berth and eventually an England call-up, Naughton shrank into obscurity.
He's certainly been a forgotten figure this season under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. Naughton has regularly been overlooked, starting a mere handful of games per ESPN FC.
That's a sure sign the 26-year-old's career is going backwards. So, a move to South Wales has come at exactly the right time.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Kyle Naughton of Spurs reacts after receiving a red card for handball as Younes Kaboul of Spurs remenstrates with referee Chris Foy during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bol
Swans gaffer Garry Monk needs to refresh things at the back. His ninth-placed team has conceded 30 goals in 22 league matches this season, per PremierLeague.com. City were recently ripped apart by table-toppers Chelsea, losing 5-0 at home.
That's likely prompted quick action in the market. The future of current Swansea full-back Neil Taylor will also have played a part. Dominic Fifield of The Guardianidentified Taylor as a £4.5 million target for Crystal Palace. But Fifield tabbed Norwich City's left-back Martin Olsson as the natural replacement.
However, Fifield's fellow Guardian writer Ed Aarons, maintained Monk is in the market for "both a right-and-left-back in the January transfer window." Naughton seems like the best fit for the right side.
Despite his stop-start career at the top level, he's still quick and industrious, particularly going forward. Those qualities will suit the expansive game Monk encourages the Swans to play.
But Naughton will have to do a lot to prove he's matured as a defender. If he finds a new lease of life, Monk will look like a shrewd bargain hunter. If not, Naughton will go down as just another case of wasted talent.
Bafetimbi Gomis Joins in the #JeSuisCharlie Tributes After Swansea Equalise
Jan 10, 2015
SWANSEA, WALES - JANUARY 10: Bafetimbi Gomis of Swansea (l) celebrates with team mates and the France national flag after scoring during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and West Ham United at Liberty Stadium on January 10, 2015 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
West Ham and Swansea played out to an exciting 1-1 draw on Saturday, with Bafetimbi Gomis sparking a vital equaliser for the hosts.
The events of the Charlie Hebdo attack were still on the Frenchman's mind, as after his headed attempt was diverted into the West Ham goal by Mark Noble in the 74th minute, he joined in on the global #JeSuisCharlie tributes.
Gomis grabbed a French flag in order to pay his respects to his homeland.
SWANSEA, WALES - JANUARY 10: Bafetibi Gomis of Swansea celebrates his team's second goal with the French flag during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and West Ham United at Liberty Stadium on January 10, 2015 in Swansea, Wales. (PhSWANSEA, WALES - JANUARY 10: Bafetibi Gomis of Swansea celebrates his team's second goal with the French flag and team mates during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and West Ham United at Liberty Stadium on January 10, 2015 in SwansSWANSEA, WALES - JANUARY 10: Bafetibi Gomis of Swansea celebrates his team's second goal with the French flag during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and West Ham United at Liberty Stadium on January 10, 2015 in Swansea, Wales. (PhSWANSEA, WALES - JANUARY 10: Bafetibi Gomis (2ndR) of Swansea celebrates his team's second goal with the French flag and team mates during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and West Ham United at Liberty Stadium on January 10, 2015 i
[Getty Images]
Nelson Oliveira to Swansea: Latest Loan Details, Comments and Reaction
Dec 23, 2014
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Nelson Oliveira of Portugal in action during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying Group F match between Northern Ireland and Portugal at Windsor Park on September 6, 2013 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Swansea City have announced the loan signing of Benfica forward Nelson Oliveira.
The Portuguese club quietly revealed Oliveira will join the Premier League club for the rest of the season on Tuesday, prior to Swansea providing official confirmation upon his arrival:
Oliveira is yet to make an impression this season, having played just 14 minutes during Benfica's 0-0 Champions League draw with Bayer Leverkusen in December, per WhoScored.com.
The 23-year-old forward netted eight goals in 30 appearances for French side Nantes last season. He will add firepower to Garry Monk's squad during a period which sees leading goalscorer Wilfried Bony link up with the Cote d'Ivoire squad for the African Cup of Nations.
Oliveira's qualities are highlighted below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XVtTnVFdYc
Bony may be absent for the majority of January and could miss the start of February, depending on his side's progress. Oliveira's arrival is a cost-effective way of ensuring Swansea possess in-depth attacking options behind Bafetimbi Gomis and Marvin Emnes.
Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe highlighted why the Swans made the deal:
Nelson Oliveira to #Swans on loan from Jan 1, confirmed http://t.co/H5i1Dd8IaA odd transfer, but Bony's off to the AFCON I suppose...
The Welsh side are currently eighth in the Premier League and have a chance at grabbing European football for next season.
Wilfried Bony Contract Should Be Top Priority for Swansea City
Nov 13, 2014
SWANSEA, WALES - OCTOBER 25: Wilfried Bony of Swansea City celebrates scoring their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Leicester City at Liberty Stadium on October 25, 2014 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
With Swansea City in great shape as the Premier League reaches its third international break, manager Garry Monk must make contract talks with striker Wilfried Bony his top priority.
The Ivorian, who joined the club from Vitesse Arnhem for a club-record fee of £12 million at the beginning of last season, has settled into life in the Premier League with ease, and is one of the Englishman’s key players in a blossoming side.
According to BBC Sport, the Ivory Coast international is set to sign a new contract when league service resumes.
The striker was linked with a transfer away from the Liberty Stadium over the summer, but now seems to have pledged his future to the Swans, claiming “Yes [I was tempted to leave] but for me it's the past and not important now. I don't think about that now.”
Bony continues on the new contract that “it's something I wanted. It will be done when I come back,” while Monk testified that “it will be a big boost for everyone.”
Wilfried Bony close to signing a new Swansea deal. So many clubs kicking themselves about not signing him in 2013. Great business by #Swans.
The manager will surely now look to use this as a platform to continue his side’s impressive form.
To see Swansea progress forward, Monk must get this deal across the finish line, particularly with the January transfer window looming.
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: Wilfried Bony of Swansea City scores the first goal from the penalty spot during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Swansea City at Britannia Stadium on October 19, 2014 in Stoke on Trent, Engla
Wilfried Bony
Since joining Swansea, and making his first impression on the Premier League, Bony has taken to English football adeptly.
The striker is burly, intelligent and possesses a keen eye for goal.
In his first season with the club, Bony notched 16 league goals, from 34 appearances, amid a campaign muddied by the conflict between then-manager Michael Laudrup and chairman Huw Jenkins.
It was a slow start, with a barren run lasting for the side’s first six games, but Bony has now scored four goals in his last five league games, making the Ivorian the side’s leading goalscorer for 2014/15.
Bony’s influence goes far beyond his goals however, and within the striker’s style of play lies his true importance and the reason why Monk should be fervently preparing an improved contract with the Swansea board.
SWANSEA, WALES - OCTOBER 25: Wilfried Bony of Swansea celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Leicester City at Liberty Stadium on October 25, 2014 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Fors
Swansea City Style
With Monk’s line-up typically based on a 4-2-3-1 formation, the contributions of Bony as the lone striker are crucial to the side’s domination in any game.
#Swans starting line-up v @Arsenal: Fabianski, Rangel, Bartley, Williams (C), Taylor, Ki, Carroll, Sigurdsson, Emnes, Montero, Bony.
It seems counterproductive for a side renowned for their possessive constitution to deploy a strong lone striker with aerial prowess such as Bony, but the 25-year-old lends himself perfectly to the blueprint.
Monk utilises Bony’s strength to hold up play, but he is fortunate to have inherited such a technically gifted player too.
According to WhoScored.com, Bony has made 0.9 key passes on average per game, the third most of any Swansea player behind Gylfi Sigurdsson and Wayne Routledge.
Seb Stafford-Bloor of Squawka notes how the striker embodies the qualities of a “Bergkamp/Wright, Shearer/Sutton or a Yorke/Cole combination” of old: Technical ability and goalscoring nous.
[Bony] gives his markers an impossible choice between standing off and allowing him to turn, or getting too close and giving him the opportunity to use his strength and technique to render them obsolete within the move.
Understandably, this has resulted in Bony becoming one of the most fouled players in the league, with defenders often resorting to impeding the Ivorian rather than conceding an attacking opportunity through his technical ability.
During Bony’s aforementioned dry run, Swansea still managed to perform and solidify their position within the top half of the Premier League table.
It was the striker’s transition within their style of play that proved central to this.
During that spell, Bony was central to the Swans’ 3-0 victory at home to West Bromwich Albion, winning 75 per cent of his duels with the opposition and making two key passes, per Squawka.
The striker was second only to Swansea’s technical mastermind Sigurdsson on the creative front—a player Bony has developed a promising partnership with.
Gylfi Sigurdsson on Wilfried Bony: "He’s a very strong lad. He makes good runs and it’s easy for me to pick him out." #SWAARS
Now the striker has returned to goalscoring form, both aspects of Bony’s game are pleasantly complementing each other.
As the modern No. 9, Bony is integral to the side’s style of play.
NAPLES, ITALY - OCTOBER 05: Miguel Michu of Napoli in action during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Torino at Stadio San Paolo on October 5, 2014 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
To most astutely visualise Bony’s importance to Monk’s Swansea side, it is fitting to contrast the fortunes of the Ivorian with another striker on the Swans’ books: Miguel Perez Cuesta, or Michu for short.
The Spaniard proved one of the signings of the 2012/13 season after joining the Welsh club in a BBC Sport-reported £2.2 million deal from La Liga side Rayo Vallecano, scoring 18 goals in 35 league appearances, according to WhoScored.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Michu of Swansea City celebtates his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Swansea City at Selhurst Park on September 22, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
The 28-year-old was a revelation, who seemed to possess the rare ability to ghost into the box, which has made Frank Lampard’s long career so successful, paired with a great technical game.
After struggling for form and fitness in his sophomore Premier League season, Michu joined Rafa Benitez’s Napoli in an initial loan deal, with a view to a permanent transfer, per BBC Sport.
Since the lofty trequartista's leaving, Bony has equalled Michu's record as Swansea's all-time top Premier League goalscorer with 20 goals.
More importantly, the Ivorian managed this feat in 43 games—nine less than Michu's 52.
At the time of his transfer to Serie A, Michu told the South Wales Evening Postthat “I think it's a leap in my career to contest the Champions League for the first time.”
NAPLES, ITALY - October 5 : Napoli's player Miguel Michu vies with Torino's player Kamil Glik during an Italian Serie A football match SSC Napoli vs Torino at the San Paolo Stadium in Naples on October 5, 2014. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Under Benitez this season however, Michu has made just three Serie A appearances, including two starts, and has failed to hit the net once as Napoli continue to struggle for form despite a star-studded squad.
Furthermore, the Naples side failed to qualify for the Champions League through their play-off loss to Athletic Bilbao; meanwhile Swansea sit fifth, in the Premier League's coveted Europa League spot.
Before making the temporary switch to Napoli, Michu was linked with a move to Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, according to the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel.
However, despite the Spaniard’s emphatic maiden season, Bony was the player who warranted the interest.
Still amazes me why Arsenal and Liverpool did not try to sign Wilfried Bony #afc#lfc
A new contract puts paid to that, for the short-term at least.
While Michu fails in glorious Naples, Wilfried Bony shines on the Welsh coast. Garry Monk must now look to secure the future of his prized striker before interest mounts up once more.
Gylfi Sigurdsson Flourishing as Main Man at Swansea City
Nov 9, 2014
SWANSEA, WALES - NOVEMBER 09: Swansea players Gylfi Sigurdsson (l) and Jefferson Montero celebrate the first Swansea goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Arsenal at Liberty Stadium on November 9, 2014 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Swansea City midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson helped his side to a 2-1 comeback victory at home against Arsene Wenger's Arsenal on Sunday, continuing his renaissance in a second spell at the club.
The mesmeric Icelander, who rejoined Swansea during the summer transfer window after a disappointing spell with Spurs, scored one and played a large part in another as the Swans came back from 1-0 down to triumph over the Gunners on a torrential night at the Liberty Stadium.
His goal, a superbly curled free-kick from 30 yards, was reminiscent of the remarkable poise shown in his first spell at the club during their maiden Premier League season under Brendan Rodgers.
French striker Bafetimbi Gomis sealed the three points for Swansea after a typically elusive, jinking run from Sigurdsson and some excellent wide play from Jefferson Montero.
The result leaves Swansea fifth in the Premier League. And it was a new lease on life in South Wales for Sigurdsson that spurred this charge.
As the main man under Garry Monk, Sigurdsson is one more rising to the top.
SWANSEA, WALES - SEPTEMBER 23: Swansea player Gylfi Sigurdsson celebrates after scoring the second Swansea goal during the Capital One Cup Third Round match between Swansea City and Everton at Liberty Stadium on September 23, 2014 in Swansea, Wales. (Ph
Qualities
Sigurdsson possesses the qualities of an archetypal No. 10, paired with an unusual physicality for the position.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez, per EvertonFC.com, perhaps assessed the impact of Sigurdsson most astutely prior to the two sides’ Premier League encounter this season:
Sigurdsson as a No. 10 has a really good understanding of the space and is good at finishing from long distance. He can also assist with a pass and it seems he has created a very good relationship with Bony.
Though that fixture ended up as a stalemate, Sigurdsson still managed to underline his ability as the most creative player on the pitch. His three key passes, per WhoScored.com, were more than any other Swansea or Everton player provided.
Furthermore, and what is perhaps the most important quality in a modern No. 10, Sigurdsson possesses an infectious work rate.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Swansea player Gylfi Sigurdsson challenges Sebastian Larsson of Sunderland during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Swansea City at Stadium of Light on September 27, 2014 in Sunderland, England.
Monk told reporters in analysis of Sigurdsson, per Adam Bate of Sky Sports, that, “it’s the work-rate he has that is the incredible thing.”
The manager credits his creative work, but suggest his influence is beyond the scoresheet, claiming, “he has got the assists but [the] amount of work rate he does is infectious. If you have got someone in your team doing it and you’re next to him then you’re thinking I have to put in a shift in.”
It is this mental determination, paired with an undoubted skill, that makes the 25-year-old one of the outstanding attacking players in English football.
So why did it go so wrong for Sigurdsson at Spurs?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Gylfi Sigurdsson of Swansea City celebrates scoring his team's second goal with his team-mates during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford on August 16, 2014 in Manc
The Main Man
Under Monk at Swansea, Sigurdsson has been re-established as the club’s most important player—and with the side playing to his strengths, the midfielder is continuing to flourish.
This could not be said of the Icelander’s time at Spurs.
Under successive managers Andre Villas-Boas, Tim Sherwood and, briefly, Mauricio Pochettino, Sigurdsson was marginalised in favour of higher-profile talents.
In two seasons at White Hart Lane, Sigurdsson made 58 Premier League appearances, according to WhoScored, scoring eight goals and making four assists.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 20: Gylfi Sigurdsson (L) and Nabil Bentaleb (R) of Tottenham Hotspur look dejected after conceding the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 2nd leg match between SL Benfica and Tottenham Hotspur at Estadio da L
During that time, the midfielder averaged 0.7 key passes and 0.3 successful dribbles per game.
Compared to this season, Sigurdsson has already topped his creative prowess at White Hart Lane with seven assists from 11 league games, along with two goals, 2.4 key passes and 1.1 successful dribbles per game.
Gylfi Sigurdsson has now been directly involved in exactly 60% of Swansea's 15 Premier League goals this season - 2 goals & 7 assists.
At Swansea, Sigurdsson is regularly deployed in a variation of the No. 10 role, behind what is generally a lone striker in Wilfried Bony or Gomis, and is gifted the freedom to create and drive forward.
#Swans starting line-up v @Arsenal: Fabianski, Rangel, Bartley, Williams (C), Taylor, Ki, Carroll, Sigurdsson, Emnes, Montero, Bony.
Take the victory over Arsenal, for example. Monk set his side up with what was effectively a 4-2-3-1 formation: Ki Sung-Yueng and Thomas Carroll sat in midfield behind Sigurdsson at No. 10, while Marvin Emnes and Montero were on the flanks supporting Bony.
While the Swans initially struggled—and went behind to a well-worked counter-attacking goal from Alexis Sanchez—it was the central role of Sigurdsson that sparked their comeback.
Gylfi Sigurdsson showing what happens when you play an excellent player in his best position, you get excellent results! Goals & assists
Not competing with the talents, and egos, of players such as Christian Eriksen and Gareth Bale, Sigurdsson is allowed to flourish. This can be evidenced by the midfielder’s free-kick goal—there is no doubt those two former teammates were demanding the set pieces over Sigurdsson at Spurs.
The midfielder’s rare talents—creativity, finesse, athleticism and balance belying his 6’1” frame—are being nurtured at the Liberty Stadium, with Swansea reaping the benefits.
Gylfi Sigurdsson is clearly a player who thrives on confidence and a central role, and he has the flair to match this. Garry Monk and Swansea City have proved the right fit for a truly exceptional player.
