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When Michael Laudrup was announced as the successor to Brendan Rodgers in the Swansea dugout, it was a safe bet that eye-catching performances would follow and that the focus would be on attacking goalfests rather than defensive stalemates. After all everyone knew about Laudrup’s pedigree as a player and his achievements as a silky playmaker for Denmark, Barcelona, Real Madrid and several other top clubs.
What was less widely known was how valuable his managerial experience in Spanish football would be. Laudrup spent just two seasons as a La Liga boss – one with Getafe, one with Mallorca – but it was long enough for him to survey the scene, increase his contacts and understand how the skill sets of Spanish players could be transferred to other European leagues. Swansea are now reaping the benefits.
One of Laudrup’s first moves after being appointed at the Liberty Stadium was to sign Miguel Michu from Rayo Vallecano for £2M. Despite finishing as the top scoring midfielder in La Liga last season, Michu was hardly a household name and his switch to South Wales barely registered for most Premier League fans over the summer.
With 12 goals in his first 16 league games, that has all changed and, by the end of the season, the Spaniard will likely be viewed as one of the top bargains of the Premier League era. Laudrup began by using Michu in an attacking midfield role, like an old fashioned number 10. With two goals on his debut against QPR back in August, he made an instant impact – and quickly showed that was no fluke.
But as Laudrup strengthened his squad, signing Pablo Hernandez from Valencia before the transfer window closed and adding Ki Sung-Yueng in midfield, Michu was moved into a centre forward role. Given his height – close to 6"3 – and build, it made sense. There was an initial adjustment period, but Michu has barely missed a beat, scoring in wins over Newcastle and West Brom before thrilling back-to-back doubles against Arsenal and Norwich.
Hernandez is another example of Laudrup’s La Liga knowledge. The 27-year-old had shown promise at La Mestalla, as indicated by his price-tag of close to £6M, and has continued that streak of form for the Swans. The Spaniard is currently on the sidelines nursing a thigh injury, but early signs suggest he will be a good fit for life in the Premier League.
Laudrup also swooped for centre-back Chico Flores this summer. With Steven Caulker returning to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of his loan deal, Swansea needed a new partner for Ashley Williams – and Flores has brought a rare mix of physicality and flair. With fellow Spaniard Angel Rangel long established at right back, communication problems have been kept to a minimum.
Given the technical ability on show throughout La Liga, it is a surprise that more Premier League clubs are not now raiding Spanish football. Sure, the big names at Barcelona and Real Madrid are off limits but there are bottom half clubs that ooze quality, even if their points tallies tell a different story. And signings can be made for a fraction of the price of British talent.
"Everyone knows what the situation is there – the financial situation is bad and you can secure good players for a reasonable price", Laudrup explained. "The Premier League and Liga BBVA are the best competitions in the world, but the decidedly different economies now make a difference. Here in Britain there’s a lot of money and in Spain, little."
If Swansea can maintain their current form, a top six finish remains possible. Laudrup has dismissed talk of qualifying for the Champions League – "it wouldn’t be logical" – and that is understandable, particularly ahead of big games against Tottenham and Manchester United. But much will depend on January. There is already speculation that suitors will be beating the door down for Michu and a large offer might be hard to ignore.
Given that the top half of the table is so tightly packed at present, it is difficult to make too many bold predictions. But it is safe to say that Laudrup and his Spanish connections have set Swansea up to exceed all expectations this season.
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