Owen Griffiths
Six games unbeaten, four wins, 14 points accumulated with just four goals conceded. It’s a shame the games are running out for Swansea City.
Saturday saw a Swans display below the levels we have seen in recent weeks. While it’s easy to suggest we were the architects of our own errors, I thought Barnsley were excellent and deserve credit for their display.
Attacking midfielders Amine Bassi and Domingos Quina were extremely lively throughout but it was Barnsley’s leading scorer Carlton Morris who impressed me the most.
In terms of a complete performance, Morris’ display ticked the most boxes I’ve seen from an opposition striker in SA1 this season. He has a lovely variety with his movement being able to stretch the game with his athleticism while his back to goal play was equally impressive.
Having previously worked with Martin at MK Dons, Morris will no doubt attract plenty of Championship interest if the Tykes were to suffer relegation.
The upcoming summer transfer window presents an opportunity for Martin to re-shape his Swansea squad heading into the 2022/23 campaign. With added squad depth (hopefully) in certain area’s along with a full pre-season, I believe we’ll see a more consistent Swansea City that’s able to sustain the tempo Martin’s looking for throughout 90 minutes more regularly.
As reported by WalesOnline’s Ian Mitchelmore, the Swans are understood to be interested in signing a wing-back this summer.
Right wing-back Cyrus Christie see’s his contract expire at the end of the season at parent loan club Fulham. You would expect the Swans to be keen to retain the Republic of Ireland international’s services after his excellent stint in SA1.
As for Hannes Wolf, who was impressive yet again on Saturday, retaining the Borussia Monchengladbach loanee might prove to be more difficult.
focusing specifically on the left side, here are two realistic left wing-back additions who I believe would add intense competition for Nathanael Ogbeta if Wolf is unable to return next season.
Jack Iredale – Cambridge United
Building upon last season’s breakout campaign, Iredale has established himself as the best left back in League One in my opinion after somehow not featuring in League Two’s team of the season for the 2020/21 campaign.
At 25, the former Carlisle United man has his prime years ahead of him and would be another smart addition from the Swans.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season also, he’d certainly fit within the Swans’ financial restrictions and could also provide cover as a left-sided centre back where he has also featured this season.
He has also showcased an eye for the spectacular with his goal of the season contender against Shrewsbury Town available from 38 seconds here.
Iredale and Ogbeta head-to-head
Defensive numbers
. Iredale is involved in 6.87 defensive duels per 90 maintaining a success rate of 62%. In comparison, Nathanael Ogbeta has averaged 6.61 defensive duels with a success rate of 51.5%. (Wyscout)
. Iredale has averaged 5.24 interceptions per game this season compared to Ogbeta’s 3.78.
.ย With the Swans aiming to dominate possession and sustain attacks, ball recoveries particularly in the opposition half are vitally important. Iredale has averaged 10.43 recoveries with only 19.6% of those in the opposition’s half. In comparison, Ogbeta has averaged 5.4 recoveries per game with 43.5% of those in the opposition half.
It’s important to note that the Swans and Cambridge are different out of possession. Shown below is both sides structure against the ball away from home against two of the divisions best sides in the respective leagues.
Up against the Championship’s runaway leaders Fulham, the Swans are still sticking to their principles looking to win the ball back high up the pitch. (Image: SwansTV)
Cambridge are not looking to engage with Ipswich Town until they enter their half. Mark Bonner’s are looking to maintain their solid defensive structure, sitting in a mid-block. (Image: Wyscout)ย
In-possession numbers
.ย Iredale’s passing is often progressive with 17 of his 33 passes played forward. With Cambridge comfortable going direct on occasions, Iredale’s pass accuracy stands at 69.2%. Ogbeta’s passing accuracy is significantly higher averaging a 79% completion rate but only 5 of Ogbeta’s 24 average passes are forward.
Final-third numbers
.ย This is where Ogbeta comes into his own. The former Manchester City prospect attempts 4.62 dribbles per 90 with a success rate of 64.3%. Iredale on the other hand has attempted 3.34 dribbles with a success rate of 57.3%.
Ogbeta also leads the way when it comes to progressive runs averaging 2.09 compared to Iredale’s 1.47.
Strengths of Iredaleย
Defensive recoveries
(Image: Wyscout)
After Cambridge’s attacking move broke down, Doncaster Rovers look to capitalise on the vacated space. Iredale’s recovery speed allows him to win the ball back efficiently.
(Image: Wyscout)
With teams often looking to hit the Swans on the counter attack, Iredale’s athleticism would fit into the make up and profile of Martin’s recruits so far.
Directness and crossing quality
(Image: Wyscout)
Arguably one of the assists of the season in League One so far. Iredale starts his run 12 yards inside Fleetwood Town’s half.
(Image: Wyscout)
After gliding past Callum Camps, Iredale looks to take on opposite full back Callum Johnson pushing the ball into space.
(Image: Wyscout)
After advancing to the byline with his athleticism, Iredale composedly centres the ball for Shilow Tracey.
(Image: Wyscout)
Tracey finished off the move all started and created by the superb Iredale.
Scott Tanser – St Mirren
During his time at MK Dons, Martin was not afraid to scout and recruit players from Scotland particularly the Scottish Championship.
Current MK Dons left wing-back Daniel Harvie was signed by Martin from Ayr United while the club also tried to lure former Ross County striker and current Sunderland goal machine Ross Stewart to Stadium MK.
With that being said, St Mirren left back Tanser is almost certain to attract additional admirers after his fine campaign in the Scottish Premiership.
Similarly to Iredale, Tanser possess fantastic athleticism and has thrived playing in a wing-back role or in a back four. He has a cultured left-foot and posses excellent crossing ability, which has become one of St Mirren’s key attacking weapons this season.
Tanser’s statistics thisย season
.ย Defensively, Tanser’s numbers makes for good reading. The 27-year-old has averaged 5.11 interceptions, (reliable defender and former Swan Jake Bidwell has averaged 3.37 this season)
.ย 12 of Tanser’s 29 passes are played forward per game, Wolf is currently averaging 30 passes with 7 of those going forward.
.ย Out ofย St Mirren’s 577 crosses this season, Tanser has contributed with 22.8% of those with 132 highlighting his importance going forward.
. Comparing to last season, Tanser has shown gradual improvement in his game particularly offensively. His accuracy of his crossing his increased from 39.2% to 44.7%. He has also registered five assists so far this season having failed to record any during the 2020/2021 campaign.
.ย Tanser ranks the 3rd highest in the St Mirren squad for chances created per 90 with 1.2 (currently the exact same as Jamie Paterson).
.ย Tanser’s corner and free kick delivery is usually on the money and very rarely fails to beat the first man from corners. From Tanser’s 70 corners this season, 53 have beaten the first man while creating 17 opportunities in the process.
