Swansea City winger Jefferson Montero becoming a class act

Swansea City winger Jefferson Montero becoming a class act [VIDEO]

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Can he get a hatrick? Will Jefferson Montero run rings around his opposite number for a third week in a row?

That is just one of the key sub-plots that is worth keeping an eye on throughout Swansea’s visit to the Stadium of Light, where they will meet the lowly Sunderland.

The Ecuadorian winger has been arguably the Swans’ best player in their opening games against Chelsea and Newcastle United. Montero has overcome any signs of second season syndrome with two exceptional performances that left Branislav Ivanovic and Daryl Janmaat begging for mercy.

Swansea manager Garry Monk has been getting terrific value from his South American flyer on the left side of a front three that includes Bafetimbi Gomis and Andre Ayew and considering Montero has already dispatched the brute force of Ivanovic and the attacking excursions of Janmaat, Sunderland’s Billy Jones could also be in for a nightmare.

Montero vs Chelsea

Swansea managed to steal a point from the Champions at Stamford Bridge following a 2-2 draw, all be it under controversial circumstances following the red card shown to Thibaut Courtois for his mistimed tackle on Gomis. However, what was not shrouded with scrutiny, at least from the Welsh contingent, was Montero’s destruction of Chelsea’s Serbian veteran.

The Ecuadorian out-paced and out-witted the former Serbian Player of the Year with ease, which is a feat the likes of Angel Di Maria and Raheem Sterling failed to do last season. That pair has a net worth well over £70 million.

Montero attacked Ivanovic a total of eight times and was successful on six occasions, which led him to create two golden opportunities for Swansea, whether it was from one of his seven crosses or a cleverly disguised pass to a rampant Jonjo Shelvey, or slippery Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Montero vs Newcastle United

From the early stages at Liberty Stadium, Newcastle had seemingly planned to batter and bruise Montero out of the game, as both Janmaat and Georginio Wijnaldum exerted physical punishment within the first half an hour.

That sort of treatment can deter wingers from dribbling forward and taking on their opposite number –  Nani for Manchester United was an example of this. Montero, however, battled through, and eventually teased Janmaat enough for the Dutchman to bite off a little bit more than he could chew and ultimately ended with referee Mike Jones drawing red.

That moment guaranteed all three points for Swansea, but besides that there is plenty more of the South American to highlight. Montero created four shots on target for his side and maintained a pass completion of 82%, keeping in mind those passes were completed deep in opposition territory. The Ecuadorian international also helped out in defence when necessary, having won 100% of his attempted tackles which goes nicely with five tantalising deliveries from out wide.

Montero vs Sunderland

Jones presents a mix of Ivanovic and Janmaat. He stands in at six foot, is a natural defender rather than a defensive-minded winger, has pace and is solid in flight. Against Norwich City, the Englishman won the majority of his challenges both in the air and grounded, while still posing a threat on the front foot.

Sunderland need a victory. They are sitting at the foot of the English Premier League table and have conceded seven goals in two games, meaning the back line will be desperate. Montero is no longer flying under the radar. Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat will have his left-flank heavily guarded and it will most likely feature cover from Lee Cattermole, who is never shy to swing in a boot.

Swansea’s Ecuadorian will certainly have his work cut out for him at the Stadium of Light, but if he can prevail then Monk’s side should coast to another three points. Although not the biggest talking point of the fixture, Montero’s contributions, or lack-there-of, will play a huge part in the outcome.

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