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PAUL Clement believes Luciano Narsingh’s “old-fashioned” qualities have a big role to play in Swansea City’s Premier League survival battle after the Dutchman impressed on his first start.
Dutch international Narsingh (pictured) was handed his full debut for the Swans in Saturday’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Burnley at the Liberty Stadium.
The 26-year-old had already racked up two assists during a series of substitute appearances, and he backed up those cameos with a strong showing.
Narsingh’s pace proved a constant nuisance for Burnley full-back Stephen Ward, and he delivered several dangerous crosses into the box before being withdrawn for fellow Swans new boy Jordan Ayew.
Head coach Clement was impressed by Narsingh’s performance, and believes his qualities as a traditional out and out winger will give Swansea’s attacking play an extra dimension as they look to complete the task of retaining Premier League status.
“It was Luciano’s first start and I thought he played very well in the first half,” said Clement.
“It was always going to be difficult for him to go the whole game because of the physical demands. Ayew then came on and contributed, and all the team have been on board with what we have been doing and we are making good strides. “Luciano gives us something different. We usually play with the wingers inside, we went a bit different here with him right out to the touchline on the right and Gylfi tucked in a bit on the right. “It was old-fashioned stuff really, give him the ball, try and isolate him and give him a one against one. “That is what we want to do, we want to use our players strengths to harm the opposition and suit our team.
“Stephen Ward got a yellow card early on because of the threat he posed, but we have a different dynamic on the other side with Gylfi playing between the lines and our crossing and finishing was excellent.
“That was a real positive for us against Burnley and we want to build on that and improve on that.”
The dramatic nature of Swansea’s victory, having trailed 2-1 to an incorrect penalty decision and a goal against the run of play, highlighted the extra bit of steel the Welsh club have shown during a run of five wins from eight games since Clement’s appointment.
The man himself could not contain his delight at Fernando Llorente’s winner, storming down the touchling in celebration before going onto the field at the final whistle.
But the 45-year-old, back in control of his emotions – and having caught his breath – facing the media after the game, insists it will be business as usual when his players report for duty on Monday afternoon to begin preparations for another crunch relegation clash against Hull.
“There is always a difference when you perform well and have a good result, it does have a psychological effect, but we are not a team that gets too down if we lose or to up if we win,” said Clement.
“You don’t want that rollercoaster of emotion and keeping a level head is what will help us perform to our best.”