To say Alfie Mawson has been the standout player for the Swans this season would be an understatement. He’s proved a shining light and has been a key man in the Swansea revival since Carlos Carvalhal took over as boss back in December.
With the season almost up, he’s legitimately being talked about for a place in the England squad, ahead of the likes of Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling. But is he the man to sit in the very heart of England’s squad?
Well, Swans fans certainly think so, even if it is strengthening the chances of Gareth Southgate’s men.
He’s in the squad for the upcoming friendlies with Holland and Italy, and will almost certainly get his chance alongside Burnley’s James Tarkowski.
Carvalhal is certainly tipping his man with the 24-year-old the “perfect” fit according to recent reports.
He’s put in some stellar performances this season, so much so he’s being eyed up by Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs. It’s thought that Southgate will play with a back three this summer and Mawson would be an ideal fit having become comfortable with that formation throughout the domestic season.
To do that, concentration and communication with your partners is key and Mawson has had little trouble with that at any point. He’s been calm, calculated and proven he has all the attributes to really excel in an England back three.
Carvalhal said of his centre half, “He has the concentration, he is very good one to one, he is very strong, good in the air, he has the agility to play on the sides.”
His professionalism will be massive for England and as a player who just gets on with the job, he could be a real blessing for Southgate. That sort of temperament is what’s needed in football and England could well be brimming with strong, quality football if the manager is bold enough to select Mawson and Tarkowski.
He’s said he’ll only pick players who are playing regularly and are in form. While that can certainly be said of Mawson, it can’t of Gary Cahill or John Stones who have found themselves getting further and further down the pecking order at Chelsea and Manchester City.
He’s the form man Mawson, and having done things the hard way, he thoroughly deserves his place. It’s almost like another Jamie Vardy story. A progression beginning with non-league Maidenhead United. With that you get a man who’s dedicated, works hard, and one that really does put everything on the line. It’s a perfect fit.
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