Matt's good feeling
After three-and-a-half seasons as a Swansea City player, Matt Grimes had seven appearances for the club to his name.
That was before the current campaign.
The Swans have played 17 games in 2018-19, and Grimes has featured in 16 of them.
A player who was for so long on the fringes of the first team at the Liberty Stadium has suddenly established himself as a central figure.
It is no wonder, therefore, that Grimes has a smile on his face.
The 23-year-old jumped from League Two to the top flight when he joined the Swans from Exeter City back in January 2015.
Grimes would never have expected to go straight into the first team at that stage.
But he would have hoped for more opportunities than he got.
Hence Grimes is savouring life as a Swan more now than ever having established himself in Graham Potter’s team.
“I am absolutely loving my football,” he says.
“It takes three or four games to really find your momentum and build yourself into the team.
“But whether I’m playing at left-back or in midfield, I’m enjoying contributing to our performances and the good results we’ve had.”
Grimes was a teenager when he signed for Garry Monk’s Swans.
Still only 23, he remains a young player who is trying to build his reputation.
Grimes did himself no harm during a loan spell at Northampton Town last season, where he got 47 first-team appearances under his belt.
The previous campaign had featured a less fulfilling spell at Leeds, while he also played 13 Championship games for Blackburn in 2015-16.
Now he is one of a host of rising stars who are thriving under Potter’s guidance.
“The gaffer has come in and given me the opportunity which I have waited a long time for,” Grimes adds.
“All I wanted was a chance at this level and hopefully I’m showing him and the supporters what I can do.
“All the young lads have done the same. Dan James, Connor Roberts, Joe Rodon – they’ve all been given the opportunity and have taken it.
“There’s a really good feeling around the club and it’s great to be part of it.”
