Ben Cabango | The gaffer has helped massively with my development

While defending will always be number one for Swansea City centre back Ben Cabango, he is pleased with how much progress he’s made in his all-round game under Russell Martin this season.

The 21-year-old has been a mainstay of Martin’s side, and he’s had to adapt to the head coach’s possession-based style and seek to find a consistent accuracy under pressure with the ball at his feet.

His impressive performances have helped Swans keep 16 league clean sheets this season, boasting one of the best defensive records in the division on that score.

And the Wales international feels he is benefiting on both sides of the ball.

“[The gaffer] has helped me massively, honestly. On and off the pitch, everything, I think he has helped so much,” the centre-back said.

“In possession was a big thing I wanted to improve, and this is the most opportunity you are ever going to get.

“It’s having the courage and confidence to show you are capable of doing it. I am just working hard every day and it’s starting to show now.

“I don’t want to stop here. I just want to keep improving, hopefully get to that next level in all aspects of my game.

"I feel it's gone well defensively too. I feel for myself defending is always the most important thing. I feel that’s what comes through; my defending is my main strength.

"This season with me improving in possession – that’s just a bonus really. I think if I’m defending well, I’m having a good game.

“Everyone talks about our expansive football, but you have got to remember we are high up in clean sheets as well.

“I know we have conceded in bunches at times, but the clean sheets show the mentality off the ball has improved massively as well.

“We do dominate most games [in terms of possession] but the mentality to concede is really good. We have to keep improving that.”