'We all want to take our chance'

Mike van der Hoorn reckons Swansea City’s new-look rearguard have laid the foundations for a solid campaign.

The Swans have conceded only nine goals in their opening 12 league games this season, a record which is bettered by just one team in the Championship.

Three of those goals came last time out against Ipswich Town, when some uncharacteristic defending saw the Swans slip to a frustrating home defeat.

Nevertheless, van der Hoorn feels Graham Potter’s team have shown commendable resilience in the opening quarter of 2018-19.

“I have been pleased with how we played as a team defensively, even if we were disappointed against Ipswich,” the centre-back said.

“We have got six clean sheets. That’s a good record at this stage.

“I think if we can keep going like that, we will do okay.”

The Swans lost goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski in the summer as well as no fewer than four senior centre-backs plus stalwart Angel Rangel.

Kristoffer Nordfeldt has shared goalkeeping duties with Erwin Mulder so far this season, while van der Hoorn has played alongside both Joe Rodon and Cameron Carter-Vickers in central defence.

Connor Roberts and Kyle Naughton have both done stints at right-back, while Martin Olsson, Declan John and Matt Grimes have all played on the left flank of Potter’s back four.

“There have been a lot of changes within the team but everyone who comes in is trying to make sure they take their chance,” van der Hoorn added.

“We’ve had Kristoffer and Erwin playing in goal, Kyle and Connor at right-back while I’ve played with both Joe and Cameron in the middle of defence.

“Matt Grimes has done a good job when he has played at left-back too. Of course, he’s naturally a midfielder but he’s shown he’s adaptable and that has provided another option alongside Martin and Declan.

“It’s good for the manager to have all these options and it’s good for us as a team.”