More to come from Swansea City midfielder Leroy Fer, insists former Dutch ace Roy Makaay
13th October
Former Holland international Roy Makaay has saluted Leroy Fer's form this season - and believes there's more to come from his ex team-mate.
Makaay - now part of Feyenoord's youth coaching set up, met up with his fellow countryman on Tuesday during Swansea City Under-23s' victory over the Dutch side in the Premier League International Cup in Landore.
Fer spent two-and-a-half seasons at Feyenoord playing alongside Makaay, who can boast a European Golden Boot, two Bundesliga and German Cup titles along with a La Liga winners' medal and Dutch Cup trophy among his achievements.
The former Bayern Munich striker has kept an eager on Fer since joining the Swans initially on loan before turning his move from QPR permanent this summer.
The 26-year-old has been among the Swans' leading performers in the Premier League this term with four goals in seven top-flight fixtures.
And Makaay admits he's not been surprised by Fer's form in front of goal, adding he expects more to follow from the man nicknamed De Uitsmijter (The Bouncer).
"Myself and Leroy have always kept in touch since he left Feyenoord," said Makaay. "He's not only a former team-mate but also a good friend.
"We spoke before the game (on Tuesday) and he gave my son a Swansea shirt, which was really nice.
"I'm really glad he's doing so well at Swansea. I can remember it was at the end of my career that Leroy was my team-mate. He was 19 and was as big as he is now.
"I saw he had the quality to be a good player - he has power, is a box-to-box midfielder and can score goals.
"Swansea haven't had the best of starts, but he's scored four goals in seven games - that's not bad for a midfielder!
"He's fitted in well there and is well suited to the Premier League.
"He's only 26 and I think there's more to come from him."
The Swans, led by new manager Bob Bradley for the first time, go into Saturday's game at Arsenal with just four points from seven games.
Despite their lowly position, Makaay had plenty of praise for the way the Swans have progressed on and off the field in recent years.
"I have kept an eye on Swansea over the last few years because of the club's Dutch players," added Makaay.
"They had Jonathan de Guzman, who is a former team-mate of mine, and of course they now have Leroy.
"The club has developed really well over the last few years, and have done well in the Premier League.
"The facilities for the academy are really nice and the teams played on a really good pitch on Tuesday night."
