Allen Is No Longer One For The Future
Tuesday, 9th Nov 2010 07:01

Comparisons with Xavi may sound exaggerated but Brendan Rodgers believes that Joe Allen plays in that style

Praise was heaped on the Swansea City midfielder after a superb central midfield display on Sunday which showed that his position in the Swans side is becoming more certain game after game.

Indeed should he start on Wednesday it will equal his record number of Swans starts in a row and at the moment you wouldn't back against him setting a personal best against Middlesbrough next Sunday.

His performances have attracted comparisons with Barcelona midfield maestro Xavi from manager Brendan Rodgers who said “I’m not saying he’s Xavi, but he’s that type. He has that wonderful footballing arrogance that big players have.”

Skipper Garry Monk was not quite so specific in terms of comparison but equally gushing of his praise when he said “You have to give him his dues

“Last year he was frustrated; he only started a handful of games and only played two full 90 minutes in a whole season.

“A player like he is just needs to be playing, to have that run of games.

“He’s had that this year and we can all see the improvements already.

“He is just classy in every way

“You forget he is so young at times and he has the talent to go all the way to the top.

“But he’s at the right place to do that.

“He only has to look at the way Scott Sinclair has come on since he joined.

“Scott was at different clubs, getting the odd game and not getting that chance to really shine.

“They’ve both got a home here where they can take their talent on and from there they can go all the way.”

Mark Gower, another one of Sunday's midfield trio added “He’s 20 but he plays like he’s an old pro, as if he’s been playing all his life

“He’s a great talent and you would say he’s a great prospect for Welsh football.

“Only he’s not just a prospect, he’s doing it week-in, week-out right now and putting in the kind of performances that is going to make it very hard for anyone to budge him out of the side.”

And Allen's own focus remains on playing regularly “It’s just about having that regular chance, I think,” he said

“One thing I’ve learned about the game is that it’s extremely tough to come into a side and play to the best of your ability straight away.

“Playing regularly gives you a massive lift in terms of confidence, match fitness and being able to look forward to that next game knowing you’ve got that chance to be involved.”

Photo: Action Images

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