'Roque showed his qualities'

21st September
First team

Angel Rangel reckons Roque Mesa gave a glimpse of what he can offer Swansea City with his positive performance at Reading.

The Swans’ £11 million summer signing from Las Palmas has had only limited first-team opportunities so far this season, with Paul Clement stressing that the new man needs time to get used to life in English football.

Roque Mesa’s one Premier League appearance to date came against Manchester United a month ago, while he also played in the Carabao Cup second-round victory at MK Dons.

The 28-year-old was back in the side for Tuesday’s third-round tie at Reading and was arguably the Swans’ best player as they won 2-0.

And Rangel, who has played a big part in helping Roque Mesa settle in at the Liberty, feels his fellow countryman is on the right track.

“Roque was pleased with his performance against Reading,” Rangel said.

“He showed the qualities he has. He can pass the ball around, be aggressive and be a leader too.

“He is still adapting to a different type of football, but he’s going in the right direction and hopefully we will see him get more minutes in the league.”

Rangel is another player who is hoping for an opportunity in the Premier League having played his part in the Reading victory.

The long-serving right-back has featured only once in the top flight this season, as a late substitute at Crystal Palace, but offered up a reminder of his quality as Clement’s men triumphed at the Madejski Stadium.

“I have not played much but I am always there when the chance is there for me,” Rangel said.

“When I get a chance, I do the best I can. All I want is for the team to win. Being captain again on Tuesday was great – I enjoy every minute of it.

“It’s not easy when you are nearly 35 and not playing much, but I keep fit and mentally I am always ready to play a game.

“The good thing is we have great training sessions where everyone stays fit so when the chance comes up, everyone is ready for it.”

Rangel and Roque Mesa were among a host of players who were given an opportunity to impress at Reading as Clement made seven changes to the side which had started at Tottenham last weekend.

“We have a good squad with plenty of players who want to be out on the pitch doing what they can,” Rangel said.

“A lot of the lads proved their fitness levels are good.”