Premier League Preview – Can Swansea Build On Last Year’s Success?
Swansea were universally praised last season for not just playing pretty football, but winning their first major trophy. The Swans have European football to look forward to, courtesy of their League Cup triumph and although the prospect of playing against some of the Europa League’s best players is an exciting one, they must not let their domestic form suffer.
The manager Michael Laudrup has brought in a few new faces in a bid to shore up his team for the challenges of playing on the continent. Jose Canas and Jonjo Shelvey will help to secure the midfield, whilst Swans fans will be expecting great things from new striker Wilfried Bony. The Ivorian notched 30 goals in 31 games for Vitesse Arnhem last season and it is hoped that he can replicate that in the Premier League.
Swansea were not completely sound in defence last season and only conceded three less goals than 17th placed Sunderland. They must tighten up at the back if they want to improve on their 9th place last season and have any chance of competing against some of the better teams in the Europa League. The return of left back Neil Taylor could prove vital, and although Ben Davies showed what a promising young talent he is, Taylor is the better player on balance.
Swansea might need another couple of players in order to compete in the Premier League as well as in Europe, but if the players can handle both they may be in for a stellar season.
Prediction: 7th.
Thomas Baxter
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