Don Goodman says he “really likes” what he has seen from Swansea City this season, backing Vitor Matos’ side for a top-eight challenge after their strong start.
The former striker and Sky Sports pundit, speaking exclusively to Swansea Bay News, pointed to a settled, aggressive style under a head coach the Swans landed almost by accident, after missing out on first choice Kim Hellberg to Middlesbrough.
“Fate brought Vitor Matos to South Wales,” said Goodman. “I love Kim Hellberg and what he’s done at Middlesbrough, but I don’t think he could have got much more out of this group than Matos has. It’s been a win for Boro, but it’s definitely been a win for Swansea too.”
Goodman singled out the pressing game as what sets Swansea apart.
“He’s got a lovely balance of being possession-based, he wants his team to control games, and what they do better than anybody else is the high press. They’ve won the ball back the most in the Championship in the opposition’s final third,” he said.
“They’re sharing the goals around this season rather than relying solely on Zan Vipotnik. They’ve got at least four players who have scored two goals already, a really good Championship goalkeeper, a solid defence, and a good mix overall.”
‘An ambitious club’
The pundit said the summer’s recruitment continued a shift he first noticed a year ago, when Swansea signed Adam Idah and others.
“That was the first time in years they looked like an ambitious club in the Championship, rather than one just wanting to survive or coast through. They’ve done it again this summer, spending decent money by their own standards on lots of players,” he said.
Goodman noted the club’s own bullish messaging, with the chief executive having spoken about being ready for a Premier League push.
“All the noises are really positive, and I would definitely have them down for a top-eight challenge, that’s for sure,” he said.
His view chimes with a bright start that has Swansea back in the automatic promotion places after Saturday’s win over Burnley, and followed Matos being praised for a complete display in that game.
“I like them, I really like them,” he added.
Don Goodman was speaking on behalf of BetVictor Online Casino. Please gamble responsibly. When the fun stops, stop. 18+, begambleaware.org.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
SWANS: Clinical Swansea sweep aside sorry Burnley to climb back into the top two
The win that took Swansea back into the top two.
SWANS: ‘We can compete against every team’: Matos hails complete Swansea display
The head coach’s verdict on that win.
SWANS: ‘A pressing monster’: Matos praises Idah, Yeo and Vipotnik after Burnley rout
The forwards who fired the win.
SWANS: Franco set for season debut as Matos hands Burnley fitness boost
The recent team-news picture.
Discover more from Swansea Bay News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
