Flynn Downes produced a dominant midfield display as Swansea City dismantled rivals Cardiff City 4-0 on Saturday.
The 23-year-old typified everything about the current regime with his performance against the Bluebirds which included real moments of bravery in possession along with pieces of quality and combativeness. Of his side's starters, only two-goal hero Michael Obafemi ended the contest with a higher passing accuracy than Downes' impressive figure of 90.6%. You can read more about Obafemi's upturn in form here.
Downes also won three free-kicks and completed one dribble, although, as ever, he was more than happy to do the other side of the game. The former Ipswich Town man made two tackles, two clearances and also got himself in the right place to block a shot to help ensure the Swans kept their 15th league clean sheet of the campaign.
Numbers go a long way to emphasising just how pivotal Downes is to Russell Martin. But the midfielder's showing at Cardiff yet again served as proof that he is a man who has a huge future in the game.
Matt Grimes has played alongside an array of midfield talents during his Swansea career to date. But the club captain says Downes is among the best of them.
"Right at the top," responded Grimes when asked where Downes ranks in the list of midfielders he's played with. "I think he's been first class.
"His attitude to training every day and how hard he works and the understanding we have between each other, especially playing in this style and system, he's a top, top player. I think he can go as far as he wants to be honest, if his dedication and work ethic is anything to go by. I think he can go right to the top, for sure."
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Recent reports of Leeds United's interest in the 23-year-old come as no surprise, although the hope from Swansea's perspective is that Downes can remain in south Wales to be a part of the long-term project in place, something Russell Martin himself alluded to after what was a memorable afternoon at Cardiff City Stadium.
"That would be the best thing ever that some of these young guys grow with us and we all get there together. That would be amazing," said the head coach. Downes is contracted to the Swans until the summer of 2025.
