At the start of the season, it was the Swansea City fans who were getting the rounds in in the Transfer Tavern.
After taking eight points from a possible twelve, Swansea were sitting pretty in the European places at the end of August, as everything looked to be going well. Fast forward that two months later, and Swansea have only gained another five points since then, while there has even been speculation that manager Garry Monk could be under pressure.
The sudden drop of form at the Libetry Stadium has been a confusing one, as it seemed Monk had built a strong side at the start of the campaign who could compete on all fronts. Swansea have been an established Premier League side for a while now, and have certainly been no mugs.
They have a pretty decent squad too, and have built a substanstial amount of quality over the years. Below we picked five of their players who we believe are capable of playing champions league football, and who in turn, could arguably be performing a little better.
Click Garry Monk below to see FIVE members of his squad good enough for the Champions League!
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Gylfi Sigurdsson
Siggurdson is arguably the player with the most natural talent in the Swansea side. After an unsuccesful spell at Tottenham, the former Reading academy product returned to Swansea where he had previously had a successful loan spell.
The Icelandic international is only 26, and may hope that a good performance at next summers Euro could secure him a move to a top Champions League side once again.
Andre Ayew
Ayew has previously had Champions League experience at his former club Marseille, where he arrived from on a free transfer.
Ayew has been Swansea’s best player so far this season and has adapted to the league brilliantly. Given that he is also only 25 years old, a good year in England could certainly see a few top Premier League sides part ways with some cash for his services.
Batefimbi Gomis
Another player who arrived on a free, Gomis has also had Champions League experience from his Lyon days, and he also started the season well.
The goals have dried up for Gomis of late, and if he wants to be back playing in the elite competition, he’d best find his shooting boots soon.
Given that he is now 30, it is unlikely that many top European clubs would go for him, but there may be lesser sides in the Champions League who could go for him.
Jonjo Shelvey
Shelvey is improving every year, and has a great chance of making Roy Hodgson’s England squad. The talented midfielder was not quite ready at Liverpool, but would arguably be in their side now, given their current central-midfield issue.
Shelvey is another who at a young age and with a European Championships ahead of him, could have the perfect stage in which to showcase his obvious talent to the world. He just needs to add a bit more consistency to his game.
Jefferson Montero
Montero caused havoc at the start of the season, where he was pulling down full back’s pants for fun. The Ecuadorian’s pace can give most oppositions nightmares and has enjoyed an impressive 18 months so far on the South Coast.
Montero will need to shine even more than he has done so far if he is to secure a move to a bigger club, but at the age of 26, he still has a chance to achieve this feat.
