The Welshman is a solid addition to the Aston Villa squad – but Martin Olsson could have made a huge impact. He certainly has at Swansea City.
Few expected a diminutive Swedish left-back to be the man to transform Swansea City’s fortunes. And while the January signing of Martin Olsson is not the only factor as Paul Clement’s side continue to pull clear of the relegation zone, the fact is that the 28-year-old’s impact cannot be underplayed.
Victorious in four of his six matches since arriving at the Liberty from Norwich City, Olsson’s uber-attacking, overlapping approach has already paid dividends with goals in crucial wins against Leicester City and Burnley. Furthermore, according to Wales Online, The Swans have conceded just 1.6 goals-per-game since his introduction at left-back compared to 2.33 in the first half of the season.
Neil Taylor may have played nearly 200 times for the South Wales club in seven seasons, playing a major role in their remarkable rise to the Premier League, their first ever major trophy and their unforgettable European jaunt, but the Welsh international’s exit has already been overshadowed by Olsson’s remarkable impact.
And, in truth, Taylor had been on the decline for some time. Previously an undisputed starter, even the limited Stephen Kinglsey had threatened to steal his place.
He’s been solid if not spectacular since dropping down a division with Aston Villa in January but you get the feeling that he is merely a dependable back-up to the attacking, if recently inconsistent, Jordan Amavi.
If Villa are to push for promotion next season, they need difference makers of Olsson’s ilk rather than the safe pair of hands offered by the likes of Taylor.
Perhaps, instead of signing the Euro 2016 star, they should have had their hearts set on his replacement. Or, as some may say, upgrade.
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