Future could be all white for the promising Swans
THE aim of any youth system is to be a production line, providing talent for the future. And, while Swansea City’s Under23s and their title triumph is rightly being celebrated, the next marker of the success of Cameron Toshack and Gary Richards’ side will be who will be able to make the step up to the senior side.
The achievement of the junior Swans shouldn’t be played down. This is only the second year the club have competed at the Premier League level of the English youth system after the hard-work and investment to gain category one status for the increasingly impressive academy.
The legacy of the club’s elevation to the elite is seen in the buildings and building blocks at Landore with the effort of this current crop and coaching staff bringing rewards with a superb season that could yet lead to more glory with the Under-23s also in the semi-finals of the Premier League International Cup where they will play Portuguese giants Porto. They has already made it closer to Wembley than any other academy side in the – controversially – revamped Football League Trophy by reaching the quarter-finals and are in the last-16 of the Premier League Under-23 Cup.
Whatever the level, winning the amount of games they have is no mean feat – and with the Premier League 2 Divsion 2 title in the bag after Monday night’s 2-2 draw with nearest rivals Wolves, the challenge for the young side is now to gain four points from their final two games to break the record tally at this level.
The reward for the men in charge such as Toshack will be seeing players now called upon to be senior Swans, the long-term aim of all this investment and effort to try and emulate a club such as Southampton where players – moulded into a certain style – are brought through and through again.
And there are plenty who have understandably caught the eye in the Under-23s win-laden campaign and the hope will be that several can continue their progress – but the wait for some may be a little longer than others.
1 – Oli McBurnie
It’s the most obvious one, and not just because the Scotland youth international has already had more of a sample of senior football than the majority of his contemporaries. McBurnie has made five senior appearances this year – all from the bench – including a 20-minute taster against Arsenal in Clement’s first game. His goal record for the Under-23s explains why and it’s hard to shake the notion that there’s something about the 20-year-old that excites about his prospects. There is an old-fashioned feel to his game, beyond his rolled-down socks and perhaps based more on the fact he seems a natural goalscorer. There are different types too, including the volley against Wolves that highlights a bubbling confidence. There is a charming arrogance to him too about what he is capable of, suggesting he would not be fazed by being called upon and, given he has shown good strength in the air, there is even an argument that his game has more similarities to the fitness-doubt Fernando Llorente than other frontmen in the Swans ranks. He has improved, observers noting hard work over bettering his tactical nous and awareness of his movement paying off.
2 – Daniel James
Perhaps there is an element of surprise that the 19-year-old hasn’t made his first-team bow yet. Although he was named on the bench for a November game against Stoke under Bob Bradley, the flier is still waiting for that breakthrough.
Young wingers are more suitable to being thrown in at senior level than defenders, the risk to the team and to the individual’s confidence less when it comes to the top end of the pitch.
With injury and indifferent form affecting Swansea’s wide options this term, James has more than played his part for Toshack and Richards’ side.
With Jordan Ayew and Luciano Narsingh having arrived in January, it would take something of a leap of faith from Clement to turn to the Wales youth international, but his pace and poise has suggested that might not be too far away.
3 - Tyler Reid/Connor Roberts
With Kyle Naughton sidelined last week, Angel Rangel seemingly out for the season after a broken metartarsal, and Jordi Amat doing little to convince he can provide what the team need at right-back, the obvious option for Clement would be look to the Under-23s for his cover.
It’s become a key position once again for the team since Clement took over, the need to be solid and compact defensively coupled – especially on Martin Olsson’s side behind Gylfi Sigurdsson – to attack the flank is a big part of the gameplan.
Clement has good options to consider in Connor Roberts and Tyler Reid. Reid, a former Manchester United trainee, has always looked defensively solid, quick and strong enough to nullify wide threats. Equally, he is happy to attack in a fashion that would be required.
As for Roberts, he has earned the praise of plenty around the club and has the added experience of loan time at Yeovil and Bristol Rovers, while is thought to have spent time with the first-team during training sessions. A call could await.