Planet Swans ArchivesBodde made his return from injury on Tuesday night to play against Bristol City and is now in contention for a place in the starting line up against Barnsley on Saturday alongside Allen – the player who made the most of the chance created by the injury to Bodde last season.
But far from threatened by Allen's performances, Bodde is glad to see the emergence of a player he believes is as good as Aaron Ramsey – currently earning his living at Arsenal.
Bodde told the Western Mail “I can see him playing for a big club in the Premiership within the next few years, I say that because, if you see Aaron Ramsey play, Joe is no worse than him.
“He has got the same skills and I think he has a little bit more than Ramsey. I hope the big clubs come and watch him and give him a big future too.
“But he has only just signed a new deal with Swansea and that is good for him at the moment. We play a good style and it will be good for him to get plenty of minutes before making the step up to the Premier League, something he may do with Swansea.
“Every player has got ambitions but I don’t think Joe’s is to play in the Premiership yet because he is a smart boy. I think he knows it’s important he establishes himself at Swansea first.
“If he can get promoted here that would be good for him as well because he will have gone up a step every year. But it’s hard to say what will happen because, while I think clubs will definitely come in for him, you never know in football.
“I don’t want to say it has been unbelievable because it’s not a surprise. But that’s probably the best word I know to describe it.
“Joe has really good potential to be a big player. It’s a joy to watch him because he understands everything already.
“His passing, the way he attacks from midfield and the fact he is not scared to be strong in the challenge – I love that. If he keeps playing like that, he will be a big player.
“He likes to watch me, Leon and Darren as a three, but he is part of it as well. We have a big midfield now with Andrea Orlandi and Jordi Lopez as well and that’s a good thing for Swansea.
“I don’t mind the competition. If it’s better for Swansea, that’s good, and I’m not scared about it.
“If I keep playing like I did last season, I will play with Joe. It’s a team game and whatever the best team is, the gaffer will decide"
