‘Absolute baller,’ ‘Overhyped’ – These Stoke and Swansea fans are predictably divided over 24-year old

Every story has a narrative and most football matches tell a story. Prior to a game, the media look for hooks and angles with which to work.

Last night’s clash between Swansea and Stoke City had several, but the one most outlets seized upon was the Ryan Woods saga. He was heavily linked with Swansea City before the season, but they refused to match Brentford’s valuation of the player. Stoke City did not.

It stood to reason that he would be the player they focused on, a symbol of one teams decadence in the transfer market, or the other’s reticence to part with a large sum of money.

It could have been a case of the haves against the have nots, although a relegated Premier League side are not without resources. However it was packaged, the scene was set for a performance from Woods.

He didn’t disappoint, putting in a Man of the Match display as his new side beat the team he came close to joining.

Some fans took to Twitter to question the decision to name him the game’s best player, suggesting it fitted the rhetoric but did not give an honest assessment of the game. Others decided he was excellent and deserved to accolade.

Did he, or didn’t he? Here’s a selection of the responses from Twitter discussing the debate.

Should’ve been three or four nil but a really good last 60 mins! Ryan Woods looks a different class! #SCFC

— Shaun Brassington (@Brass1985) September 18, 2018

Ryan Woods was obviously getting man of the match tonight just to suit the media's story and build up to the game. To me, he doesn't look anywhere near the player @Britts_7 is in the position. @SwansOfficial fans thoughts? Not sour grapes, just didn't think he was that goos #scfc

— James (@JamesEvs09) September 18, 2018

The only positive is that Woods is an absolute baller. Confidence on the ball is unreal. #SCFC

— Cal Roberts (@SoullessGinge93) September 18, 2018

I thought he was quality, especially in the second half. So calm on the ball with 96% passing accuracy.

— Gareth Thomas (@musicgareth) September 18, 2018

My point exactly. Not saying Woods was poor but oberhyped for sure. I was expecting more from him.

— James (@JamesEvs09) September 18, 2018

Seemed like a carbon copy but not as agile as Britton who has done it at the top level.

— James (@JamesEvs09) September 18, 2018

???????? We have a Ginger Nzonzi within Woods. Just class, I now know why Brentford fans didn't want him to go

— Cal Roberts (@SoullessGinge93) September 18, 2018