Arriving at his new club as an attacking midfielder, Miguel Perez Cuesta soon showed the rest of the Premier League that goals were very much within his locker.
More commonly known as Michu, the £2 million signing would go on to lead Swansea City’s frontline for all of last season. His role at the head of the Swans’ attack was simple: stick the ball in the net. A brace on his debut away at QPR proved that this wasn’t going to be a problem.
In what was a hugely successful campaign for Swansea, Michu scored 22 goals in 43 games. With a strike rate of better than one in two, the 6ft 1in Spaniard was an integral part of the Welsh club’s ninth-placed finish in the Premier League. And with goals on the way to and in the Capital One Cup final, he helped the Swans lift the first major trophy in their history.
Having settled into the club with compatriots Chico, Angel Rangel and Pablo Hernandez, this summer sees a further three natives of the world and European champions arrive at the Liberty Stadium. Michael Laudrup has since stated that he won’t be looking to Spain for any more signings in this window, emphasising the importance of Swansea’s identity as a British club.
The Swans will be joined in the Premier League for the upcoming season by their fierce rivals Cardiff City. With both sides having now reached England’s top flight, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in the battle for bragging rights.
The Liberty Stadium faithful will be hoping that Michu’s famous celebration can remain a regular occurrence at their Landore home and at Premier League grounds across England. However, Michael Laudrup’s side must also prepare to play one more league game in their own country than they did last season.
Victory in Cardiff would be the perfect way for Swansea’s Spaniards to promote themselves as the best team in Wales.