“I don’t want to let him go. Obviously the offer can be so big that you have to accept it, but I really don’t think that they’re going to pay so much money for him. We know what Liverpool paid for Joe Allen. If they have to pay double for Michu there are few clubs who could afford that. A guy who scores many goals must be worth more so you make the figures. I don’t think anyone will come with that money to be honest. He will stay.”
Therefore, with new-boy Michu looking as though he will be staying to spearhead the Swans challenge well into 2013, is it really too early to be talking of the Welsh outfit as genuine European contenders?
Last season under Rodgers, the Swans against all expectations gained 47 points to finish 11th in the Premier league. Their impressive fluent and attractive style of football impressed many neutrals and the Swans also made headlines for the manner in which they passed some of the division’s best teams off the pitch.
Despite losing midfield dynamo Joe Allen, wing-wizard Scott Sinclair and their manager, Swansea’s style of football has continued to demand the plaudits this season. It is an achievement in itself that the Swans are equalling, if not bettering the quality of football they played last season, when one also considers that loanee’s Gylfi Sigurdsson and Steven Caulker are no longer at the Liberty Stadium this season, and the fact that last season’s top scorer Danny Graham has failed to truly find his feet under Laudrup.
Credit must therefore be given to Laudrup’s summer signings, who have seamlessly settled into English football. Michu’s contribution has clearly been outstanding, but in addition, former Valencia star Pablo Hernandez, South Korean Ki Sung-Yueng and loanee Jonathan De Guzman have put in some tremendous creative performances from the midfield. Spaniard Chico has replaced Caulker at the heart of the defence and when noting that number one Michel Vorm and regular left back Neil Taylor have both been absent through injury, then the Swans defensive record must also be applauded.
Thus, although Laudrup may be trying to lift any unnecessary pressures upon his young squad so early in the season, this group of players are undoubtedly showing huge potential. The collective desire and determination of the players under Laudrup is clear to see, and the positive atmosphere inside the dressing room is being reflected by the team’s fluid, attacking style on the pitch. If Michu continues to fire, the midfield continues to dominate and the defence hold firm, then why shouldn’t Swansea be mixing it with the big boys of European football next season?
Who do you think will finish in the Premier League’s European spots this season? Comment below or tweet me @Benno_Watts22.
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