Swansea City midfielder Flynn Downes has made a strong start to life in South Wales since making the move from Ipswich Town in the summer. 

The 22-year-old has emerged as an integral part of the shifting style that has been seen under Russell Martin, forming an excellent partnership with Matt Grimes. 

The midfielder was targeted by Crystal Palace last January, with the former Tractor Boy possessing the technical ability and tenacity to thrive in the middle of the park. 

However, it now seems as though the midfielder is certainly enjoying playing in Martin's team at Swansea instead.

Speaking to Swansea's club media about what it is like to operate in this Swansea team, Downes said: “As a whole, the boys are great to play alongside.

 

 

“The style of play the gaffer wants is the best, it’s the best to watch, it’s the best to play and the task is to improve and get some more wins on the board.

“I have to tell you, I have loved it here. Everyone has their own role on the pitch, and I like that. That role is my responsibility and my job. It’s down to me to perfect that position, and I feel like Grimesy and I can focus on our own tasks.

“I enjoy the defensive responsibility as well as my job on the ball. I would be as happy to smash someone with a crunching tackle as I would be to score. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to score some goals to help the team, but if I do that a different way then I’m fine with that."

Downes has made 18 appearances in all competitions for Swansea so far this season, helping them to 14th in the current standings, seven points adrift of a play-off place.

Swansea and Downes are next in action on Saturday afternoon, when they host Nottingham Forest at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The verdict 

Downes has re-adapted to Championship level football seamlessly, playing his part in Swansea's dominant in possession approach to football. 

He is a player that oozes class when in possession, but he also has the grit and determination to win the ball back for his side, whilst reading the game incredibly well too. 

It is no surprise that he is playing well in this Swansea side, given that his attributes as a footballer almost completely align with the way that Swansea play.

Downes has ability in abundance, and given his age, he can certainly grow with this team.