Bradley: Mawson can be Swansea’s Jay DeMerit

Alfie Mawson impressed on his Premier League debut last weekend and Swansea boss Bob Bradley has compared the centre-back to former Watford and USA defender Jay DeMerit.

Mawson joined the Swans from Barnsley for £5million over the summer and played his first top-flight game for the club in a 0-0 draw with Watford a week ago.

He was a rock at the heart of defence and Bradley claimed the display reminded him of DeMerit, who the 58-year-old managed during his time in charge of the United States national team.

DeMerit had an improbable rise from Non-League Northwood all the way to the Premier League and World Cup – ultimately making 25 appearances for the US.

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He became a fan favourite with his self-belief and never-say-die attitude and Bradley has been equally as impressed by Mawson in his short time at the Liberty Stadium.

“Alfie has great presence,” said Bradley. “He goes on the field with confidence. He reminds me of Jay DeMerit, who played for Watford and with the US.

“No matter who we were up against, as he was leaving the dressing room he would wink as if to say ‘no problem’.

“Whether it was Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] or Wayne Rooney, it didn’t matter. He was excited by the challenge. I see a lot of that in Alfie.”