After just two appearances off the bench, Modou Barrow has already got Swans fans calling for him to get a start in Monk’s starting eleven. Do they have a point? Josh Kilmister examines the evidence
There’s no doubt that Modou Barrow has been superb in both of his cameo appearances from the bench so far, with ‘fearless’ a word I've seen on many an occasion already when people are describing his style of play. His ability to take on a player with such confidence is just one factor to his game, though we are yet to see what he can do in front of goal or even in terms of delivery. Obviously that’s not his fault and I’m sure with more game time his ability will become more and more evident.
The big question if he was to start would be who he would replace. The Gambian forward can play on the left, and even through the middle though his preferred position is on the right. That means that it would be Dyer or Routledge he would replace as Jeff has looked to have made the left wing position his own in the past few games.
With Routledge still injured (though he should be back for Crystal Palace on the weekend), Barrow has no doubt got his eyes set on Dyer’s position. Is he quite good enough to make his first Premier League start? In all fairness, I think he probably is. However, that’s not to say that he will.
Personally I think at this stage in his career, Barrow is a great player to have on the bench; I think that’s how Monk sees him too. There’s no doubt in my mind that he will make a start at some point this season, if not in the league then certainly in the FA Cup, but to start him after just two good performances off the bench, I think would be wrong.
Dyer didn’t have the best of games against Man City on the weekend, even if he did grab himself a magnificent assist in Bony’s opener, but I think Monk will stick with him. I mean, why wouldn’t he? And with Routledge set to be back from injury soon, Barrow may have some time until he can mark his name in our squad; but that’s one thing he has over the likes of Routledge - time. Routledge is twenty-nine edging on thirty, Barrow is yet to turn twenty-two. If he keeps at it, I’m sure it won’t be too long before he finds himself in amongst the starting team.
While we’re on the topic of wingers, a certain Lee Trundle mentioned in the Evening Post the other day that the re-signing of Scott Sinclair would be good business for The Swans. He’s no fool, he knows he didn’t exactly leave on good terms with the fans, or even the club in general, but given the chance I think he’d jump at the opportunity to make up for what can only be described as lost time in his career.
Personally I’d love to see Scotty back in a Swans shirt. I think he’s got a lot to prove, and I'd be happy for him to do it in SA1.
What do you think of Trunds’ comments? Would you welcome Scotty back into the club, or has he had his time? Who should be starting out wide for the Swans? All very good questions which are very much up for debate. Thanks to Josh for his latest piece, you can follow him on Twitter @TheJoshKilmister