After a rare appearance on Saturday, Jefferson Montero has come in for praise from teammate Gylfi Sigurdsson.

The Ecuador international has been frozen out somewhat lately, and his involvement at the weekend was just the second time he has featured for Swansea City this calendar year - the other appearance coming in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United back in January.

However, he could be in for more opportunities now after impressing at the Britannia, with his 30 minute cameo key in helping the Swans come from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Stoke City.

Magic Montero

Speaking to BBC Sport, Sigurdsson, who scored the first goal as Swansea fought back from a losing position, had plenty to say about his teammate's impact.

"On his day, when he's playing his best football, he's pretty much unstoppable with his speed," the Iceland international said.

Sigurdsson believes it's easier for the attackers around Montero to play when he's on his game too, as they know that "nine times out of 10 he's going to get the ball into the box," so it's just up to them to get in the area and ensure they are "going to get to the end of it."

"It's easy for me and the striker just to try to time the run and get on the end of the crosses," he continued, with service from the wide areas something Swansea have been lacking this season.

Montero impressed plenty on Saturday. (Photo: South Wales Evening Post)
Montero impressed plenty on Saturday. (Photo: South Wales Evening Post)

Nothing is guaranteed

Montero could have a big part to play before the end of the campaign too, with the South Wales outfit not yet mathematically safe.

With seven games to go, the Swans are 10 points above the drop and have seemingly secured their place in the Premier League for next season. However, Sigurdsson knows that nothing can be taken for granted yet in the most unpredictable of campaigns.

"You never know how things will pan out," he said, adding that the team "need a few more points" before they can be totally sure. "Ideally, probably one win would seal it."

With "some crucial games" coming up, the midfielder is now looking for his team to "keep on going" and for them to "try to pick up as many points as [they] can" so, come May 15, they are safe.

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About the author
Ameé Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]