Having won their last three games, Swansea find themselves eighth in the Premier League table, three points behind Champions League hopefuls Liverpool. It really is a remarkable achievement, and one that has gained them many admirers. Most of the praise has rightly been in relation to their attacking, possession based style of play, but this is also built upon a superb goalkeeper, and an impressive defensive partnership. The Swans have kept 12 clean sheets in total this season, 7 of them coming at home where they have conceded only 10 goals in 14 games. Away from home their poor form from the first half of the season has drastically improved, with 4 wins from a possible 6 in 2012, conceding only 5 goals in the process.
Ashley Williams had played every minute for Swansea this season until he missed Saturday’s 3-0 win at Craven Cottage because of illness. In fact, the Wales International featured in 166 successive league games for the club before the weekend. Nobody can deny the immense contribution he has made. But it is Steven Caulker, his partner in central defence, who is perhaps the more impressive.
The England U21 International is the perfect modern centre back. 6’3” and dominant in the air. Quick, strong and brave. But also very comfortable with the ball at his feet, consistently showing the composure of somebody far beyond his years. In a team where he is not so much encouraged, but forced to play out from the back, less than exemplary technical ability can quickly be highlighted. But Caulker has excelled, barely putting a foot wrong all season.
Like Williams, this is his debut season in the Premier League, having only previously played one League Cup game for Tottenham’s first team. The 20 year old is currently on his third loan spell, having played the 2009-2010 season in League One at Yeovil Town, and the 2010-2011 season in the Championship at Bristol City. He won many fans at both clubs, in particular at Bristol City where he was named Young Player of the Season.
With players like William Gallas and Ryan Nelsen coming to the end of their careers, Tottenham are likely to introduce Caulker into the first team squad next season. He is seen by many as the natural successor to club captain Ledley King, who is starting to show signs of decay after such a fantastic first half of the season. Spurs are not always the best club at bringing through young players, but in recent years the likes of Jake Livermore, Danny Rose and Andros Townsend have all at least been given a chance. And Kyle Walker has become the first choice right back at the club after successful loan spells at QPR in the Championship, and Aston Villa in the Premier League - a similar career path to that of Caulker.
Despite fellow young English defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones both earning big money moves to Manchester United, and establishing themselves as full Internationals, it could actually be Steven Caulker who is the one to watch out for. If afforded first team opportunities at Tottenham next season, it won’t be long before England come calling. But for now, he is undergoing an excellent footballing education in a team with an admirable ethos and a smart young manager, which will benefit him greatly in the long term.
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