Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes that Gylfi Sigurdsson is the best player in the bottom half of the table.
The 27-year-old has been an integral part of Swansea City this season, helping them pull clear of the relegation zone under Paul Clement. The Icelandic international has scored eight goals and laid on seven assists so far, and have convinced the former Arsenal attacker.
Merson thinks the former Reading midfielder would be a solid addition to teams like Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City or Arsenal.
The Arsenal legend said via his Starsport column this week:
“I think he’s a brilliant player.
“I think he could play for one of the top four teams. That’s one of the reasons they’ll stay up.
“He’s the best players in the bottom half of the table – no doubt about that.”
He added:
“Paul Clement said he’s good enough to play for Chelsea or Bayern Munich and I agree with him.
“I don’t think I have seen him have a bad game all season. I’m surprised nobody really pushed the boat out for him in January.”
What must be stressed immediately is he is one of the most underrated players in England’s top flight. Despite his club being at the wrong end of the table and have already seen three different managers this term, his ability to hit the ground running consistently deserves ample of applause.
Case in point, last weekend against Manchester City, he struck a solid equaliser nearing the closing stage of the match but the limelight was snatched by Gabriel Jesus who netted the winning goal even later. The midfielder’s impact was once again passed under the radar.
Sigurdsson has already scored decisive goals against Everton, Liverpool, Chelsea and Southampton this season. If it wasn’t for him, Paul Clement’s side would have been handcuffed to the roots of the league long ago. Fairly, a poor man’s Xabi Alonso or Paul Pogba. Regarded for his long-range shooting and dangerous set-piece deliveries, he can easily improve any team.
Having said that, he surprisingly struggled to secure a starting spot during his two seasons at White Hart Lane following a £8.8 million move from 1899 Hoffenheim. When his potential seemed to be on the wane, he joined Swansea City in July 2014 and instantly rediscovered his swagger.
The clubs mentioned by Merson are already blessed with star-studded midfielders who are delivering week in week out. There is always room for quality additions but looking at Sigurdsson’s fine run of form, even if he decides to leave the Liberty Stadium, he would seek a first team spot at his next club, rather than being a part of a pecking order. On the other hand, the carrot of Champions League football could turn into a deciding factor.
The creative playmaker has netted three goals in his last three appearances and will be raring to go against champions Leicester City this weekend. The last time they both met in August, the Swans were on the receiving end of a 2-1 scoreline. At present, the visitors are struggling to rediscover last season’s magic and Clement’s men will look to secure maximum points with home ground advantage too.
Do you think Tottenham should visit the idea of resigning Gylfi Sigurdsson in the next transfer window?
