SWANSEA, WALES – FEBRUARY 12: Alfie Mawson of Swansea City celebrates scoring his sides first goal of the match during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Leicester City at The Liberty Stadium on February 12, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
2. Alfie Mawson
A transfer from Barnsley has been a blessing for youngster Alfie Mawson. The 23-year-old English defender is having a solid season so far. He has scored four goals so far, which is tied for second most among defenders in the league. His offensive contribution has been surprising to say the least, with Swansea happy to take all the goals they can get at this point in the year.
Mawson’s defensive contribution has been solid as well. He is sixth in the Premier League in blocks per game, limiting the work his keeper has to do. He has been a bit unlucky this year, scoring two own goals. This is tied for most in the league, oddly enough sharing the record with his teammate Jack Cork. These mistakes will happen, so it is nothing too alarming for a player of his age and experience level.
One player can only do so much, though. Swansea do have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, allowing 66 goals in just 31 games. Despite that, Mawson has been playing his role well. He has the potential to be a very solid defender, but will need the play time to grow and develop. Already making the jump from the lower leagues to the Premier League, Mawson will hope to stay in the top-tier should Swansea go down.
Alfie Mawson</a>. The 23-year-old English defender is having a solid season so far. He has scored four goals so far, which is tied for second most among defenders in the league. His offensive contribution has been surprising to say the least, with Swansea happy to take all the goals they can get at this point in the year.</p>
<p>Mawson’s defensive contribution has been solid as well. He is sixth in the Premier League in blocks per game, limiting the work his keeper has to do. He has been a bit unlucky this year, scoring two own goals. This is tied for most in the league, oddly enough sharing the record with his teammate Jack Cork. These mistakes will happen, so it is nothing too alarming for a player of his age and experience level.</p>
<p>One player can only do so much, though. Swansea do have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, allowing 66 goals in just 31 games. Despite that, Mawson has been playing his role well. He has the potential to be a very solid defender, but will need the play time to grow and develop. Already making the jump from the lower leagues to the Premier League, Mawson will hope to stay in the top-tier should Swansea go down.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/04/06/5-players-target-swansea-get-relegated/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> The heartbeat of the team </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-433881" src=https://playingfor90.com/2017/04/06/5-players-target-swansea-get-relegated/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F04%2F633202626-swansea-city-v-southampton-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><p class="wp-caption-text">SWANSEA, WALES – JANUARY 31: Gylfi Sigurdsson of Swansea City Celebrates his goal during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Southampton at The Liberty Stadium on January 31, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>3. Gylfi Sigurdsson</h3>
<p>Probably the most obvious target, <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/04/06/5-players-target-swansea-get-relegated/3/"https://www.whoscored.com/Players/69346/Show/Gylfi-Sigurdsson">Gylfi Sigurdsson</a> is yet again having a productive year at Swansea. Leading the team in assists with 11, Sigurdsson also has eight goals on the year. More often than not, he is the best player on the pitch for the Swans by a large margin. He seems to create or finish off every chance the team gets.</p>
<p>Playing anywhere from left wing to central midfielder, Sigurdsson always dictates Swansea’s tempo. There are not many teams in the top leagues that would pass up on a player of his quality and ability. It will be more surprising if the Iceland international stays at this point, with many clubs in the Premier League already eyeing a move for him.</p>
<div class="embed "><iframe loading="lazy" width="500" height="281" src=https://playingfor90.com/2017/04/06/5-players-target-swansea-get-relegated/3/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/lNJBVSxrflQ?start=34&feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>If he does move, it will be interesting to see if Sigurdsson can keep his impact up at other clubs. At Swansea, he does see a large majority of the ball as he is arguably their best player. Putting him at a club like Chelsea or Manchester City could damage his overall impact in a team, as he would not be expected to take over the game as much as he does now. Regardless of involvement, though, Sigurdsson would be a great addition to any team in need of a leader in the midfield.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/04/06/5-players-target-swansea-get-relegated/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Experienced fullback </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-433882" src=https://playingfor90.com/2017/04/06/5-players-target-swansea-get-relegated/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F04%2F609577488-swansea-city-v-manchester-city-efl-cup-third-round.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="" width="590" height="389" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/04/609577488-swansea-city-v-manchester-city-efl-cup-third-round.jpg-850x560.jpg 850w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/04/609577488-swansea-city-v-manchester-city-efl-cup-third-round.jpg-768x508.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px"><p class="wp-caption-text">SWANSEA, WALES – SEPTEMBER 21: Kyle Naughton of Swansea City during the EFL Cup Third Round match between Swansea City and Manchester City at The Liberty Stadium on September 21, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>4. Kyle Naughton</h3>
<p>Ex-Tottenham fullback <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/04/06/5-players-target-swansea-get-relegated/3/"https://www.whoscored.com/Players/34131/Show/Kyle-Naughton">Kyle Naughton</a> will be in high demand this summer should Swansea get relegated. Naughton leads Swansea in tackles per game, averaging about 2.5 a contest. His consistency in the first team has made him a reliable choice, starting 23 matches this year. What he has not contributed offensively this year in terms of goals and assists, Naughton makes up for in experience in the game and defensive solidity.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>A team like Liverpool, who are looking for a solid outside defender, should make a move for Naughton in the offseason. He often plays right back but has had the occasional stint on the left, where Liverpool need cover. Having an experienced defender like Naughton will allow Milner to be utilised in the midfield where he is more comfortable.</p>
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<p>If Liverpool do not pick him up, it will be shocking to see Naughton go down to the Championship. Though he is not an elite fullback, his experience and knowledge of the game overall should put him on the radar of a few teams. Starting consistently would be an ideal position for Naughton, so a mid table team could do nicely. A return to Tottenham does not seem likely, but somewhere like Stoke or West Brom would fit quite well.</p>
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<h3>5. Bafetimbi Gomis</h3>
<p>On loan from Swansea, Bafetimbi Gomis is having a fantastic season at Marseille. The 31-year-old French striker has 16 goals this season, tied for third most in Ligue 1. Only three of those are from the penalty spot as well, meaning Gomis is involved heavily in the open play for Marseille.</p>
<p>Gomis is by no means a pacey player. He often relies on his size and strength to fight off defenders. At Marseille, he is the perfect complement to players like Payet and Thauvin. The big Frenchman can hold up play and give his attackers time to get forward, opening up more space for himself to get a shot on goal.</p>
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<p>It will be interesting to see if Marseille decide to make the loan a permanent deal at the end of the season. Getting Payet back has been a big plus for the team as they currently sit in 5th place, just four points back from Lyon.</p>
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