Ex-Valencia winger Pablo Hernandez loving life in South Wales
This is the news that possibly (barring the acquisition of our manager) Swansea's most illustrious signing is very happy with his lot in SA1. When he first arrived, some fans took a small while to warm to the winger given that he doesn't always to appear to be working as hard as some of our other players when it comes to tracking back and regaining possession, but as the season has gone on, and as he has adapted to the Swansea system, he's gone from strength to strength. For me, I feel Pablo's trickery and guile in and around the box is in a class of it's own within the Swansea squad, and while he does lose possession looking for the killer pass more often than most of our other attacking midfielders he does often find his man, and of late his linkup play with Michu has been exquisite. The nutmeg through ball for Michu's goal, at Wembley, for example - tricky - but players at the top level try these things.
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| Pablo Hernandez after completing his protracted transfer. |
His goal against Chelsea to rescue a point at the beginning of November was a perfect demonstration of the level of the man. Cool, composed, he bought himself half a yard then passed the ball into the bottom corner - a truly top drawer finish. He's improved consistently since arriving, and seems to revel in playing as one of three rotating attacking midfielders, wandering across defensive lines toying with them. He did this to great effect against Bradford, and clearly enjoyed himself:
"It`s history for our club, our city and our fans. It was brilliant seeing all the fans in the stand, all cheering and singing for us. Wembley is a historic stadium and known throughout the world, so it was brilliant to play there.
"I`ve played at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge in the Champions League but this is different. This is a historic achievement for the club. It means everything to us. For me, the decision of coming to Swansea is the best of my career.
"I didn`t think when I came here that it would be difficult to win a title - I only had to look at the quality players already here to know we had a chance. I enjoy playing here. I enjoy being around the players, the club and the fans." Pablo Hernandez
If someone of Hernandez's calibre is waxing lyrical about the Swans, and is happy to stay here and push on, we really are doing something right. Having played in the Champions League for Valencia he knows just how good players are at the top level of world football, and clearly sees the Swans as being able to compete with all comers. One or two more signings of the same standard as Pablo and Swansea City could surprise a few people in the Europa League next year.