Alex loving Liberty life

Alejandro Pozuelo admits he's loving life at Swansea City following his move to south Wales back in the summer. 

The Spaniard's arrival at the Liberty last summer may have snuck under the radar amongst a summer of big-money signings within the Barclays Premier League, but the midfielder has already shown his potential during 14 appearances under Michael Laudrup. 

His biggest impact so far has come in the Europa League, taking just 13 minutes to score on his debut in the 4-0 home victory over Malmo back in August. 

Pozuelo would score twice in his first three appearances as a Swan, and he quickly settled into Laudrup's plans following his switch from Real Betis. 

Now, he is hoping to play another big role on the Premier League stage when West Ham arrive at the Liberty this afternoon.

The Swans are hoping to build on last weekend's win over Sunderland, with that 4-0 success handing Michael Laudrup's men their first home league win of the campaign.

And with seven fellow Spaniards in the squad, the 22-year-old admits having his fellow amigos around has quickly helped him settle into life on and off the pitch in South West Wales. 

"Everything is good," he said via a translator. "The first month in the hotel was more difficult for the language, weather and different food. But once I adapted to the weather and I was with the people that I really care about, I felt good. I am very happy here. 

"At the beginning it was very difficult to speak in English because I didn't learn too much when I was in school. But I am working hard and, step by step, I hope to be speaking better English soon as I am having lessons. 

"Angel (Rangel) has helped me a lot. I am very grateful to him - he has been one of the key people that helped me adapt so quickly. 

"For me, I have adapted well to life here thanks to my team-mates and manager. 

"The fans are very warm too - they always make you feel welcome and that has helped me settle here. 

"It was a dream debut for me to go onto the pitch and see all the Swansea fans supporting us." 

His dream debut also included a goal as he finished off a neat move to put the gloss on a hugely satisfying 4-0 win over Malmo in the Europa League. 

And it was an immediate opportunity for the youngster to parade his goal celebration. 

"Scoring a goal made me feel so happy," he added. "My celebration is one I used to do at Real Betis - I celebrated by creating a heart with my hands, and that is for my girlfriend. 

"I have also celebrated by putting my hands together above my head, and that was dedicated to my former Betis team-mate Ruben Castro, who was injured at the time and I wanted to show my support for him." 

Despite strong competition for places out wide and in the attacking midfield role, the Spaniard has often been included in Laudrup's plans. 

But Pozuelo feels that level of competition for places is a healthy situation for the players and manager. 

"It is good to be involved in so many different competitions," he added. "With the strong squad we have, all players will have minutes. 

"Thankfully, in the Europa League, I have played all the games while I have featured in every league match except Manchester United. 

"So when the manager considers me for selection, I will always be there to perform the best as I can for him and the team."

Pozuelo saw his contract expire with La Liga side Real Betis back in the summer, which led to Michael Laudrup making his move.

The creative midfielder is one of eight Spaniards now at the Liberty Stadium - including his fellow former Betis team-mate Jose Canas.

And Pozuelo was understandably delighted to arrive in English football's top-flight.

"I was very happy to join Swansea," he said. Since I was a little boy it was been my dream to play in the Premier League. 

"From the moment I heard of the interest from Swansea I watched their games and followed the news at the club. 

"The style of the team suits me, and so too does the style of the manager. 

"Of course, there are a lot of Spanish players here including my old Betis team-mate Jose Canas, and that has helped me to settle quickly. 

"I am looking to improve my English immediately as I want to communicate better with my team-mates. On the pitch I just want to give everything I have to the club in order to help the team this season."