We expected a lot more from these 2 Swansea City players this season – Did you? | OneFootball

Swansea City are back in the play-offs for the second consecutive season with Barnsley now standing between them and a place in the final at Wembley.

The Tykes have been the Championship’s surprise package in 2020/21 but Valerien Ismael’s side won’t be content with being just that and Steve Cooper will know not to underestimate them.

Even if the Swans should fall short of promotion, though, this season has been another positive one for the South Wales club but there have been a few players that we have been a little disappointed in.

With that in mind, we’ve highlighted two players we expected a lot more from this season…

Joel Latibeaudiere

When the Swans landed the Manchester City defender on loan on October transfer deadline day, it seemed like something of a coup given the reported interest in him.

Bournemouth, Reading, Bristol City, and Luton Town were all also linked with a move for the 21-year-old but eventually, he ended up sealing a move that saw him reunite with Cooper, who had been his manager for the England U17s World Cup triumph.

Latibeaudiere captained that side, which also included the likes of Phil Foden and Rhian Brewster, showing just what a bright and talented player he is.

Swansea haven’t seen too much of that side of him during his time at the Liberty Stadium, with the central defender making just 10 appearances all season.

Part of that is due to the impressive displays of the likes of Marc Guehi and Ben Cabango but after Ben Rodon’s exit, joining the Swans did seem to offer Latibeaudiere a perfect opportunity to prove his quality.

His loan spell at FC Twente the previous season also saw him struggle to force his way into consideration, so all eyes will be on what his next move is.

Ultimately, if his bit-part contributions help the Swans get promoted this term then he will be fondly remembered but more was expected of him.

The big 22-question Swansea City end of season quiz – Can you score 100% on this?

Paul Arriola

One of two MLS loanees that ultimately didn’t live up to the billing, Paul Arriola’s time in South Wales has been fairly forgettable.

Injuries played a role in limiting how much the 26-year-old was able to contribute for the Swans but his loan lasted less than two months and saw him play just 42 minutes of football.

The US international was added late in the window with Cooper looking to add some more forward firepower but was unable to provide that.

Arriola has since suggested that he wasn’t really wanted at the club and didn’t get a proper opportunity but while that might well be true, more was expected from him.

Swans fans will likely be looking over at Barnsley and the massive impact that the arrival of their American import, Orlando City’s Daryl Dike, has had this term and feeling a sense of what if.