Swansea City Boss Garry Monk Pays Tribute to Ex-Tottenham Star Gylfi Sigurdsson

Swansea City manager Garry Monk has described former Tottenham Hotspur star Gylfi Sigurdsson as the perfect fit for the Welsh side.

In one of his first decisions following his appointment at White Hart Lane, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino sanctioned a deal that saw Ben Davies and Michel Vorm join the club with Sigurdsson moving in the other direction.

The Icelandic international left a good impression on the Swans following an excellent loan spell at the club during the second half of the 2011/12 campaign and his dominant form this season – marked by six league assists – has inspired the club's impressive start.

Monk believes Tottenham's loss is very much Swansea's gain, insisting the 25-year-old play-maker has always been good enough to play for a side challenging for Europe.

"Gylfi has been underrated and could play for any of the top sides," the Swansea boss was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror. "He feels comfortable here, likes the way we play and we allow him to express himself."

Even amid Swansea's outstanding record of securing bargains in the transfer market, Monk believes the capture of Sigurdsson ranks as one of their best signings.

"It is about signing good players to fit with our style and he matched that. That is why we pursued Gylfi throughout the summer and he hasn't let us down.

"What many don't see is how hard he works as well. He doesn't stop running and doesn't get enough credit for that.

"His work rate is infectious. When the other guys see someone working extremely hard they know they have to put in a shift."

Sigurdsson signed a four year deal at the Liberty Stadium in the summer after two unremarkable years at Tottenham. In addition to his six assists – the second highest tally in the Premier League behind Cesc Fabregas' seven – he further helped the Swans' cause with two goals.