Mawson: Abraham can be a loan star

5th July
First team

Alfie Mawson has tipped Tammy Abraham to be a loan star at Swansea City following his switch from Chelsea.

Abraham joined the Swans on a season-long loan on Tuesday, with the 19-year-old catching the eye after a successful temporary stint with Bristol City last season, which saw him score 26 goals.

Mawson is well aware of the teenager’s quality after the pair played alongside each other during England Under-21s’ recent European Championship campaign.

And he is confident Abraham, who has managed two top-flight appearances for Chelsea so far, will make the most of his opportunity in SA1.

“In the time I spent with him during the European Championships, I saw just how good he can be,” said Mawson.

“On the ball he is second to none, and his finishing is phenomenal. He has bags of quality and under the guidance of the gaffer he can be nurtured into a very, very good striker.

“I am confident he will prove himself in the Premier League. He has a lot of potential, and I think he can fulfil that during his time here.

“He gives us something different to what we have got. While Fernando is a strong striker who holds the ball up and is an aerial threat, Tammy’s movement is fantastic – he makes runs and pops up at the very worst time for a defender.

“He is only 19, and for him to have scored so many goals in the Championship last season shows what quality he has already.

“He has got the tools to succeed and go far in the game.”

During their time with Aidy Boothroyd’s U21 side, Mawson gave Abraham some useful advice ahead of his move.

He added: “I don’t know what his other options were, but I’m delighted he has joined us,” said Mawson.

“When I spoke to him about the possibility of coming here, I told him it was a club that will give him a chance. I can say that from experience.

“By coming here, he can get his head down, work hard and concentrate on his football.”