Our chief football writer Trystan Bending returns and asks more questions. Today he examines those players who Luke Williams chooses to ignore, and in the main has done so since his arrival in January. Yes, some have been injured but that’s not the full story.
So, can Landore save the season ?
Swansea recently made the headlines for having 7 academy products selected by Craig Bellamy in the last Wales Camp. It is no secret that the club have made themselves renowned in the last decade for producing elite level footballers, and its’ great to see so many go on and earn themselves caps for the national team. Some have been great assets for the club, for example Daniel James, whilst some have continued to wear the badge with pride such as Ben Cabango, Oli Cooper and Liam Cullen.
The two pathways have been significant to keeping the club secure and consistently pushing the higher end of the table since relegation from the Premier League. The Landore products could well be responsible yet again to contributing towards success here at Swansea.
The club recently made the decision to lay Paul Watson off from his duties. Whilst we only have a look-in from a fan’s perspective, it has not come as a huge surprise given the poor recruitment under his supervision. Luke Williams has been left with a weak side at this level. Numerous singings have not been up to the standards this club desires, players also suffering long term injuries, ultimately poor judgement from Watson and his team.
Whilst relying on the academy products to step up to the first team is a reflection on perhaps the poor recruitment, it should also be embraced since they deserve a chance on merit and have the potential to exceed expectations and reach the first team level, as so many have done here.
Swansea fans will be familiar with a few of the academy players who are impressing whilst playing with the U21’s and it could be a matter of time before they force their way into the first team squad.
Over the last couple of weeks the Jack Army have been in discussion about the implications of signing of Cyrus Christie for the side and whether he could provide a change in shape. Luke Williams set up in a 3-4-2-1 for 51% of his games whilst at Notts County and it may be a matter of time until we see a change from the 4-3-3 to the 3-4-2-1 this season.
The current formation requires the wingers to play high and wide, being positive in attack and delivering crosses. Eom Ji-Sung and Ronald are the players in favour for Luke Williams. With Eom Ji-Sung on the sidelines for 6 weeks a wide gap has opened for another player to fill. Azeem Abdulai and Florence Bianchini have been the two to step up. Whilst the two continue to look for improved performances there is no reason why a place on the wing does not remain open for an academy player to compete for.
So who are the players who have a chance right now?
⚽️ Glory Nzingo.
Glory signed for Swansea last summer from Stade Reims and has been brilliant for the Swans 21s ever since. He has played a key part in the midfield as an attacking midfielder. I have noticed from his performances goal scoring, that he likes to occupy a wide position when receiving the ball and has no problems testing the goalkeeper. His general composure on the ball and his natural skill set makes him a strong candidate to push for a place in the first team, with such a very strong start to this season. With no signs of any injuries he would be my first choice for tomorrow.
⚽️ Aimar Govea.
Aimar signed a new long-term deal with Swansea and earned himself a few first team experiences as a reward last season. It’s clear to see that he has everything to make it as a professional, and hopefully with Swansea this year. Quick, agile and confident he did not look out of place when he had his opportunity. An injury has set him back, but despite this he has been reintroduced to the 21s recently and has now completed three 90 minutes, contributing a goal and assist already. It could be the perfect time, if of course fit, for Aimar to make a name for himself here.
⚽️ Sam Parker.
Sam also earned himself a new contract with Swansea and had the chance to showcase his ability to the Jack Army last season. Showing early signs that he can become a top talent, he attracted interest from some of Europe’s best clubs over the summer. After playing 2 games last season, he picked up a long-term injury which left him out all season. The early signs were very positive that Sam could break through this year, providing back up in a variety of positions. He has also been reintroduced this season however looks to have had another minor setback. One to look out for this season for sure.
⚽️ Kyrell Wilson.
Kyrell has certainly made a name for himself for Swansea, bagging 18 goals with 7 assists for the U21s last season. It is easy to see that he has everything to become a top goalscorer and I do not think it will be too long until we see him given a chance in the first team if the drought in front of goal continues. Unfortunately for Kyrell he has also been a victim to injury over the pre-season and start to this campaign. He is without doubt the most promising striker in the academy set up and it was great to see him return to the 21s this week. A return should not be forced just yet, but once conditioned we could be looking at a breath of fresh air upfront.
There are many more graduates who have made impressions on Luke Williams such as Dan Watts, Ben Lloyd and Filip Lissah who could also be considered if an injury occurs to the first team. However, for now the four players most likely to make an impact higher up the pitch are Glory, Aimar, Sam and Kyrell. The potential for these individuals to be given a chance should be looked at in a positive light, after all they are the players who are the future of the club. This process has worked so well in the past so why not do it again ?