Jamie Paterson scores on debut but that was just a taste of what is to come

Swansea City signed Jamie Paterson on a free transfer from Bristol City this week.

The midfielder joined on a 12-month contract with an option for a further year in South Wales. Paterson was delighted to make the move and was ready to hit the ground running.

“I am buzzing to be here, to be honest. The season is nearly upon us and I cannot wait to be out there playing football for Swansea,” he told the club website.

“I’ve played against Swansea before and I know about the style of play, and from speaking to the manager I feel like the style he wants to play will really suit me.”

Paterson began his career at Walsall, making his debut aged 18 in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy against Chesterfield. He spent three years with the Saddlers, bagging 16 goals in 102 appearances in all competitions. 12 of those came in his final season, attracting Championship clubs to his signature.

Nottingham Forest won the race, spending six figures to bring him to the City Ground.

He was prolific in his first season for Forest, scoring 12 goals in all competitions including an FA Cup hat-trick against West Ham United.

His game time deteriorated in the following campaign to just 25 appearances, before he joined Huddersfield on loan.

A year later, new manager Lee Johnson swooped for Paterson in his new-look, attractive Bristol City setup. He signed a three-year deal at Ashton Gate, and immediately endeared himself to fans by scoring the winner against former club Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup.

He spent five years with the Robins, and Prost International spoke with journalist Dan Carter, a Bristol City supporter, on the impact he can make in South Wales.

Could you describe the way Paterson plays and what impact he could have on the Swansea side?

“Paterson’s a very hard working attacking midfielder who brings a lot of creative quality in a variety of positions.

“At his best, he’s an incredible threat both creatively and as a goal scorer himself. Lee Johnson often described him as one of his “busy bees” quite often receiving the ball and moving it forward quickly in a way that could really help Swansea, especially with quick players around him.

“He also loves a completely unnecessary nutmeg which makes him amazing to watch.”

Korey Smith and Liam Walsh are also playing in South Wales. Do you think that was a factor in his decision?

“Korey Smith was a huge member of the Bristol City team that ‘Pato’ played his best football with and was captain so I think that would’ve played a part in the move.

“I think if you’d said at the end of the 2019/20 season to City fans that Paterson, Smith and Walsh would be our three man midfield we would’ve been delighted as all three have qualities that make them promotion pushing players.

“I think all three midfielders could work very well together.”

How much game time do you think Paterson will get with Swansea’s midfield options?

“I’d have to imagine that he’ll be used more as an impact substitute than a guaranteed starter. He’s not played consistently at all since around January as he has struggled with a hip injury.

“The quality at his best is undoubtedly good enough to start for any team in the division but then consistency to perform at that level week in week out has not always been present.

“It’s not too dissimilar to Kasey Palmer and I expect he may well be used in a similar way to him in the first half of last season.”

Finally, do you think Paterson’s style will be suited to Russell Martin’s patient possession-based philosophy?

“He’s so much more of a threat on the ball than he is off of it. I think with Martin’s sides normally controlling possession it’ll suit Paterson down to the ground.

“When City had players like Bobby Reid and Joe Bryan, who were as comfortable on the ball as Paterson, it made him a better player as he became less isolated.

“I think having the likes of Walsh and the already present quality at Swansea he will hopefully be able to get into the areas to impact games.”

Russell Martin’s possession-based style, as Dan Carter suggested, suits Paterson far more than the more pragmatic Nigel Pearson, and his Swans’ predecessor Steve Cooper.

Despite signing just shortly before the opening game of the season, Paterson was trusted with a place in the starting 11. Blackburn Rovers awaited at Ewood Park, a tough test for any Championship side. Sadly for Swansea, this would be proven within 36 minutes.

Tyrhys Dolan’s one-on-one effort was denied by the new number one Steven Benda, only to be coasted to Sam Gallagher who tucked home.

Just after half-time, the hosts doubled their lead through Ben Brereton’s spot-kick.

Steven Benda, who had been impressive with his distribution despite Swansea’s deficit, made a catastrophic error and brought down Dolan.

Chilean international Brereton converted, leaving Swans desolate in motivation as they trailed by two despite a positive performance.

Paterson though, undeterred, dragged Swansea back into the match just four minutes later.

Jamal Lowe battled through Blackburn’s midfield before laying off to Smith. He squared across to an off-balance Paterson who curled into the centre of Thomas Kaminski’s goal.

It is just a sight of what is to come for Jamie Paterson in a Swansea shirt. In his prime at 29, he could give Swansea at least a couple of seasons of his best. Under Martin, like under Lee Johnson, he could be utilised to achieve his full potential.

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