Phil SumblerIf there was an Andre Ayew fan club then it is pretty evident that Freddie Woodman would have been one of the founder members after the keeper praised the Swans vice captain for his ice calm nerves in scoring match winning penalties in the last minute of both of the Swans last games.
Ayew has – under controversial circumstances – kept his nerve and slotted both penalties home with a calm that we all like to see (even if we aren’t feeling it) to give us two wins and keep us very much at the top end of the table with promotion remaining completely in our hands.
And whilst Woodman has been watching from the other end of the pitch he is not surprised by just how calm Ayew is in those situations “Andre’s got ice in his veins, that’s the joke going around in the dressing room,” he said.
“We actually spoke about penalties; I’m always intrigued by what the players do and I study penalties quite heavily, but he’s changing all the time and doing something different.
“Ben Hamer faced one of his penalties earlier this season and said that it’s impossible; you can’t get a push off because he’s still stuttering and waiting for the goalkeeper to move.
“It’s very difficult to read and make a proper dive, so credit to him. He’s the guy that we’re relying on at the minute.”
Woodman also revealed that he – and many of the younger players – are learning from Ayew all the time “I feel like I’ve learned so much off him; even just having a chat with him about different things. He gives great advice out and he gives you this confidence and belief when you do speak to him.
“The fans see the goals, but everyone at the club realise that he’s even better at getting the best out of the players around him – even the younger lads.”
