Swans coach Curtis tips Sigurdsson to shine for years to come

Gylfi Sigurdsson will continue to dominate the Swansea City midfield for years to come according to Swans first team coach Alan Curtis after the Iceland international signed a new contract.

Sigurdsson has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal to remain at the Liberty Stadium, having netted 11 goals in 36 appearances during the 2015/16 season.

His new contract has been a welcome boost to the Swans pre-season preparations, and Curtis admits he is over the moon to have secured the 26-year-old’s signature despite interest from a host of other clubs this summer.

“It’s really positive for us that Gylfi has signed,” he said.

“He was so instrumental last season, especially when we really needed results. Gylfi stepped up to the plate and scored some crucial goals when we needed them most.

“Everybody contributed, especially as we finished the season quite strongly, but during that difficult period we had, Gylfi was hugely prominent.

“We are all delighted that he has put pen to paper on a new contract because he will be a key player for us over the next few seasons. It’s a lift for us all.”

(Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

This week has seen Sigurdsson return to training with the Swans having been given extra time off following Iceland’s Euro 2016 campaign.

Sigurdsson scored one goal as Iceland progressed to the quarter-finals in France,  and Curtis insists he more than proved his worth on the European stage.

“Gylfi showed what he can do in the Euros,” he said. “Iceland did extremely well and I thought a lot of that was down to Gylfi.

“It’s not just his general play, it’s the ground he covers, the goal threat he brings and also his dead-ball expertise.

“Set-plays are a huge part of the game these days and it’s no coincidence that he is just about the last off the pitch in every training session.

“He stays behind do to extra work on his technique and you see that on a Saturday. All credit to him for that.”