Nothing much has gone right for Swansea City so far this season. The momentary transfer window euphoria when they broke their transfer record twice has understandably proved to be extremely short-lived. The fact that they could hold onto Gylfi Sigurdsson was also seen as an important step towards this season’s success. But as much as they tried, the lure of Everton was too much for their talismanic captain, Ashley Williams. Then towards the end, they were dealt another blow in the form of Andre Ayew moving to West Ham. Ayew had been decent for them and his loss was also a setback to Guidolin’s plans.
Guidolin has been sacked. Swansea have won a single match. They are 19th in the table and are managed by an American with no prior experience in the Premier League. It is evident Swansea will need to be pro-active now and look to change the tide somehow to try and launch an upward ascent. And one of the major and probably the last opportunity they will get is the winter transfer window. After the sale of Williams and Ayew, the word is that the board have cash to spare.
Let us take a brief look at the 3 areas they need to improve to give themselves the best chance of survival.
BUY A CENTRE-BACK
It was a surprise to each and everyone when Swansea decided against trying to adequately replace their talismanic and arguably the best player in their team- Ashley Williams. The Welshman had bailed them out time and again and his leadership on the pitch is invaluable and always gave the Swans a more un-Swansea look. And as many feared, the other centre-back options have failed to justify the faith shown in them and perhaps it will be unfair to point fingers at them. Mike Van der Hoorn, Alfie Mawson, Amat and Fernandez have tried but have been anything but assuring at the back. A centre-back signing seems to be on top of the priority list right now.
A CENTRAL DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
Swansea have lacked spine in midfield. More often than not they have been outrun and outfought with the defence bearing the full brunt of the attacking sides in the Premier League. Jack Cork, Ki Sung-Yeung, Leon Britton and Leroy Fer have all been rotated in those positions so far but have failed to make the position their own. Bradley has to achieve the consistency in the team which will allow these sufficiently talented players to do their defensive work and at the same time retain their attacking edge.
AND MAYBE A FULL-BACK
Neil Taylor and Angel Rangel look different players altogether. The dip in form has been a question many are asking and there are hardly any people with answers, especially when it comes to Taylor. From scoring in the biggest European stage for Belgium to failing to make the starting eleven of the 19th placed team in England, all within a span of 7 matches. The fall has been steep. If the scouts do pinpoint any particular player they feel can be an upgrade on the current two in this sort of form, the Swans should perhaps take the plunge.
