Phil SumblerThere is little doubt that the headline makers in the past few weeks have been Jamie Paterson and Joel Piroe. In five games since we returned from the last international break the pair have notched 7 goals and 5 assists between them as the Swans have taken 12 points out of a possible 15.
The understanding being developed between the two players is clear for all to see and it is paying dividends in a Swansea side who have notched a total of 11 goals in those 5 games as a unit.
But it was a simple two words from Paterson himself yesterday that grabbed some headlines of their own as he showed where he thought the lead on the pitch was coming from and that was captain Matt Grimes.
The general 🎯 https://t.co/WNFMwCg0MW
— Jamie Paterson (@jamiepaterson12) November 3, 2021
Paterson simply retweeted a story from the official site where Grimes talked about the midweek win at Coventry and the identity that the side was developing under Russell Martin but Paterson added in the words “The General” which is a clear indication of how the players feel about the captain and his own contribution to the team.
Russell Martin was clear throughout the summer that he wanted Grimes to stay, despite differing views from elsewhere as to his desire, and he saw holding onto him on transfer deadline day as key to his plans for the club as any of the new signings that he bought into Swansea this summer.
Grimes himself was only echoing the words of many when he said that the club are finding their feet but as we continue to push on up the league then confidence is increasing in all areas of the club – from the stands, to the pitch and throughout all the areas that matter within the club itself.
“We had a slow start due to the gaffer coming in just before the start of the season, but we are really finding our feet,” said Grimes.
“You can see the clear identity we have and the way we are playing. We are enjoying it.”
Matt Grimes is simply doing this season what Matt Grimes does. When things are well at Swansea you can see the pivotal role that he plays in the midfield. When things go less well he gets criticised for doing what he does every week. Grimes tends to keep it simple, he can often turn sideways or backwards but rarely do you see him give possession away. And that will be why he is called the general.
Paterson recognises it, Russell Martin recognises it, the Swansea coaching staff recognise it and his team mates all recognise it as well. The general that makes those around him tick and a pivotal part of the midfield that is performing so strongly at the moment.
And the longer we hold onto him with certainty the better our chances are of continuing our rise up the table.
