Last weekend, Swansea City stunned Liverpool as they tranquillized the Reds by a 2-3 scoreline at Anfield; the result yielded much more than three points. The win paved the way for the Swans to drive past Crystal Palace and get a two-point breathing space from the relegation zone. It was a much-needed source of solace for the fans, and not to mention, for the players and the new manager as well.
Apparently, the tides of time seem to be in favour of Paul Clement’s side at the moment, for their veteran winger in the shape of Wayne Routledge has committed himself to the Welsh-based club until 2019, with an option to add another year with his consent and meeting the clause of appearances set by the club. Nonetheless, did Swansea City pull the strings in a shrewd manner to keep their trusted gladiator at the club for the near future?
Honestly speaking, Routledge is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. Despite meeting his yardsticks, and maybe more than that many a time, he hasn’t yet been a household name for reasons unknown. From the wide areas, the 32-year-old adds pace, quality and tenacity and let’s not forget to mention the truckloads of experience of top-flight football he has under his belt. He has been stationed for the Swans perennially and has proved his worth time and again.
Despite not being highlighted, a part of Swansea’s success could be owed to Routledge: he takes on the defenders brilliantly, pushes them back, creates spaces for his fellow midfielders to surge forward, possesses excellent first touch on the ball and never refrains from catering to the defensive duties as well. The former England U21 is an excellent distributor of the ball as well and keeps his side ticking.
He has been handed 19 appearances so far this campaign, wherein he has scored 2 goals, bagged 1 assist and has created as many as 24 chances. A handful of Swansea City players have attracted a lot of interest, and extending the contract of a proven and respected comrade can very well be an impetus to the club which is on the edge of entering into a testing period. Clement has done a tremendous job by teeing him up with at the Liberty Stadium for the upbringing of a colossal transformation in the mentality of his side.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
