'It feels really good to be here'
When Yan Dhanda signed on at the Liberty Stadium back in May, he did not know which Swansea City team he would be playing for or who his manager would be.
At the time when Dhanda agreed a move from Liverpool, the Swans were looking for a new boss following the departure of Carlos Carvalhal.
It was also unclear whether the 19-year-old would start the 2018-19 season with the first team or playing development football.
So it was a big boost for Dhanda when he discovered that he was going to be on the plane for the Swans’ pre-season tour of Germany and Austria.
“I never really expected to come out here – it was a surprise,” the attacking midfielder says.
“But I feel I’ve been training quite well since I arrived at Swansea and hopefully I’ve shown people what I can do. Now I’m lucky enough to be out here in Austria.
“Every player has made me feel really welcome. They’ve been really nice to me and have helped me if I’ve ever needed it. It feels really good to be here as a part of this team.”
Dhanda scored six goals in 25 appearances for Liverpool’s under-23s in 2017-18.
And he has already started to make his mark with the Swans, having netted in the friendly victory over Yeovil Town before Graham Potter’s men flew to the Continent.
He then made his first start in Swans colours in the 1-1 draw against Serie A side Genoa on Saturday.
Dhanda’s composure on the ball and quality in possession prompted praise from Potter, who said he had enjoyed watching Dhanda and fellow teenager Joel Asoro play.
“I was happy to hear that he was happy with how I played,”Dhanda adds.
“I just love being on the ball and I’ll never be afraid to just go for it. I try to make things happen on the pitch.”
It seems Potter likes what he has seen of Dhanda so far, and the feeling is mutual.
“Working with him is unbelievable,” Dhanda says.
“I knew he was good before he got the job but training with him is exactly what I want in a manager.
“He’s bringing out the best in me every day. He’s just letting me play and I’m enjoying my football. I’m excited to keep working with him and seeing how far I can go.”