Planet Swans ArchivesMany doubted the Swansea captain’s ability to perform at the highest level especially after the injury problems of last season but he is back this season and arguably in the best form of his career. And with the Swans mean defence a big contributor to their rise to the top of the table, Monk is equally happy to take the plaudits but also heap praise on his defensive colleagues.
“As a defender we want to keep a clean sheet in every game,” he told the Evening Post. “The strikers will always take the plaudits because they score goals that win games, but if we can keep clean sheets then we have a chance of winning every game.
“Everyone is working hard here, pushing each other to the limit. The boys are shouting at each other, encouraging as much as they can in the last 10 minutes, which may not have happened a few years ago.
“But we are very pleased with the way things have gone.
“Dorus behind us has been fantastic since he came in. He is a great figure to have between the sticks.
“Angel has been a revelation since arriving from Spain. We were not sure what he would be like because we didn’t know much about him, but he has been fantastic.
“Dennis has come in for some criticism but he has put together some solid performances and done well.
“Marcos took some stick as well early in the season and I wondered how it would affect him being a young lad. But he has a strong character, is getting more experienced and will get better and better.
“He is getting down the left flank and supporting whoever is out there and that is really useful.
“As a back-four unit we have done really well. Inside the dressing room we are very comfortable with each other and that shows on the pitch.
“Defenders come in for criticism because if we make a mistake it could cost the game. We are marking strikers who are paid to score goals. If you slip up, they will punish you.
“All players are pushing each other to the limit,” said Monk. “This is definitely the strongest squad we have had here. The gaffer has got competition for every place.
“All the boys know that if they have a chance they have to take it because if they don’t perform to a certain level then there are others waiting to take their place.
“On top of that, everyone is pushing in the same direction. We have built up a decent lead at the top and we can’t be complacent because there are top teams in this division dying to be where we are.”
