New Swansea City head coach Paul Clement’s first signing saw Dutch international Luciano Narsingh arrive from PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £4 million.
The 26-year-old put paper on a two-and-a-half year deal at the Liberty Stadium, with the winger’s debut stalled by a slight calf injury.
Speaking about Narsingh, Swans boss Clement revealed he hopes the pacey wide man will be able to provide a threat in behind opposition defences, and on the counter-attack, something he believes was lacking in the squad:
“I don’t think I’m the first person who has noticed that (we don’t threaten in behind teams much)… We want to have a variation of ways to attack teams whether that be through the middle, into the spaces or down the sides and to have that counter-attacking potential. That’s important in modern-day football.”
The History
Born in Amsterdam, Holland, Narsingh spent his youth career at Zeeburgia, AZ Alkmaar and Ajax before linking up with Heerenveen at the age of 16.
He made his professional debut against Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie in October 2008, but had to wait until the 2010/11 campaign to make a real breakthrough.
Narsingh made 24 league appearances during that season, registering an impressive five goals and nine assists.
The pacey attacker then took his game to another level the following season, totalling eight goals and 22 assists in 34 league matches, which persuaded PSV to pay around $4.1 million to secure his services in the summer of 2012.
Narsingh settled in well at his new club, registering six goals and five assists in his first 18 league appearances, before his season ended following a serious knee injury.
During the 2014/15 campaign, Narsingh got his career back on track, scoring six goals and adding 10 assists in 32 league outings as he helped PSV capture a first league title in seven years.
He enjoyed another decent campaign in 2015/16, totalling eight goals and six assists in 30 league matches, although he’s struggled during the first half of this season, managing only one goal and one assist in 15 league appearances.
Narsingh represented Holland at U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21 levels, scoring four goals in 33 appearances, before making his senior debut against Slovakia in May 2012.
He’s represented his country 19 times, scoring four goals, including one in the 2-1 victory over England at Wembley in March 2016.
The Prospects
Given the lack of production from Swansea’s wingers this season, with Wayne Routledge, Jefferson Montero, Modou Barrow and Nathan Dyer mustering just two goals and five assists between them, there’s every expectation Narsingh will come straight into the side once fully fit.
The Dutchman is capable of playing on either flank, although he’s predominantly played on the right wing.
Clement opted for a 4-2-3-1 against Arsenal last weekend, while for testing away matches, he could turn to a slightly more defensive 4-3-3. He deployed such a system at Anfield on Saturday, with Gylfi Sigrudsson and Wayne Routledg flanking Fernando Llorente.
Narsingh, whose qualities include his pace, dribbling, crossing and overall technical ability, should be able to flourish in either system.
Despite struggling for form this season, he has still averaged a goal attempt every 33.4 minutes in the Eredivisie for PSV, superior to Dyer (71.3), Barrow (79.6), Routledge (90.5) and Montero (96).
The Dutch international also outshone all of Swansea’s wide men for creativity, managing to create a chance every 38.1 minutes, better than Montero (38.4), Barrow (56.9), Routledge (59) and Dyer (71.3).
However, it should be noted that PSV are currently sitting third in the Eredivisie, and are subsequently going to boast more of an attacking threat than Swansea in the Premier League.
Nonetheless, the numbers offer hope that Narsingh could provide an upgrade on the options previously at Clement’s disposal.
Narsingh has been priced at 5.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and with the Welsh club looking to build on their shock 3-2 victory at Anfield on Sarturday, his return to contention could coincide with a turnaournd in Swans’ fortunes.
Clement’s men have some testing fixtures ahead but do meet favourable opposition in their next four home matches.
Southampton are next at the Liberty Stadium and could potentially be without new skipper Virgil van Dijk due to an ankle injury sustained in Sunday’s victory over Leicester City.
Following that, the Swans take on Leicester City, Burnley and Middlesbrough over their next three South Wales meetings.
With fellow new signings Martin Olsson and Tom Carroll earning debuts in the Anfield win, there is now new impetus at the club which could help build momentum.
So far this term, it has been Sigurdsson, Leroy Fer and Llorente who won favour in our squads.
Llorente is certainly picking up pace as a potential target following Saturday’s brace on Merseyside. With seven goals and two assists in his last ten appearances, the Spanish striker could prove a viable third striker option.
The Liverpool win has also revived Sigurdsson’s stock.
His first goal since Gameweek 15 arrives ahead of those aforementioned home fixtures and the Icelander still boasts a statistic that shows he’s scored or assisted 48% of the Swans’ goals.
Narsingh could yet provide us with a cheaper attacking alternative.
However, having failed to live up to the potential he displayed as a youngster, there remain question marks over whether he has what it takes to make an impact in the Premier League, with the physicality of the league one area of concern.
It’s a case of wait and see with Narsingh, then, who may yet rival Sigurdsson as a midfield option as the Swansea schedule eases considerably from Gameweek 27.
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