Charlie Patino | My focus is on doing my best for Swansea City

Charlie Patino insists his sole focus is on Swansea City and the season ahead as he strives to improve every day during his time in SA1.

The midfielder – who recently turned 20 – has made an impressive start to life in south Wales and has already contributed with four assists and one goal in just 11 appearances since joining on loan from Arsenal.

But he was quick to point to the importance of the other side of the game, praising the team’s defensive solidity as a big part of helping them win five of the past seven games, and revealing how he feels he is becoming a more rounded player by making strides in different elements of his game.

“We didn’t have the best start, but we’ve hit our rhythm now,” he said.

“I think the group has a real togetherness, and in the last few weeks that’s shown and it’s helped us with results and performances. I think we’re becoming a tough team to play against and that’s showing on the pitch.

“I just want to keep enjoying my football and playing with a smile on my face.

“I want to contribute with goals and assists as much as possible. But as much as it is nice to get individual stats up, the team is my main focus and winning five of the last seven shows the character and togetherness of the group.

“It’s nice getting goals and assists, because that shows that you’re contributing to the team, but it’s not just about goals, it’s also about defending well in the last stages of the game.

“That’s a credit to the defenders and Carl Rushworth in goals as well, because if you score three goals but let in four, then you don’t win. You have to have a balance and be ruthless in both boxes.

“In the last game we showed that, and we’ll have to take that into the game against Sunderland this weekend.”

Despite his bright start, and plaudits from fans, coaches and pundits, Patino is determined to keep improving and progressing.

“I’ve learned a lot from Michael Duff and there’s more learning to do,” he added.

“He’s trusting me because I’ve played 10 of the last 13 games and I just want to keep developing under him and his coaching staff. I always try to do my extras after training and I’ll just keep working hard.

“I’m taking it day by day and game by game, and learning from the coaching staff and players.

“I’m happy with my progress but I’m always learning and I always demand more from myself."