Gylfi Sigurdsson a perfect fit for Swansea, says Brendan Rogers

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Gylfi Sigurdsson
Image caption,

Sigurdsson fires a shot at Sunderland's goal during Saturday's 0-2 defeat

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers says he had no doubts that Gylfi Sigurdsson would fit seamlessly into his side.

Iceland international Sigurdsson shone on his first start for Swansea in Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Sunderland, external.

"Gylfi has been excellent. I know him well, and he's just finding his feet and getting back up to speed," said Rodgers.

"He hadn't played a lot of games before arriving. But you can see his qualities - he fits in perfectly."

Sigurdsson, on loan until the end of the season from German side Hoffenheim, external, made his Swansea debut as a substitute in last Sunday's 3-2 win over Arsenal.

The midfielder's pass created the winning goal by Danny Graham, and his creativity was again evident at the Stadium of Light as he provided the link between midfield and attack.

His eye for goal was also obvious as he tested Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet with a free-kick and fired long-range efforts at every opportunity.

"That's the type of player we want to bring in here - players that technically are gifted and tactically understand the game," added Rodgers, who worked with Sigurdsson during their time together at Reading.

And centre-back Ashley Williams added: "I thought Gylfi was our best player and he settled in very well on his first start."

Sigurdsson scored 20 goals for Reading in the 2009-10 season. A similar scoring proficiency could prove invaluable in Swansea's Premier League survival quest as the newcomers continue to struggle for goals away from home.

Saturday's blank was the sixth time the Swans have failed to score on their travels in the league and Sigurdsson said they lacked some invention to unlock the Sunderland stubborn resistance.

"We had a lot of possession but it was that bit of magic I think we needed to turn a half-chance into a good chance and get a goal," said the 22-year-old.

Media caption,

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers satisfied despite Sunderland defeat

Sigurdsson, who cost Hoffenheim £6m in August 2010, was pleased with his own performance, adding that the calibre of his team-mates made it a comfortable introduction into the starting line-up.

"It's easy when you've got players like Joe Allen and Leon Britton behind you," he said.

"They see a pass very well and they can find me. And when you've got players like Sinclair and Dyer running in behind it's easy to see a pass. It's easier to join a team with good players to gel and fit in quickly."

"I think we would have been favourites to get another one the way we controlled the game."

Swansea's other January loan recruit, Chelsea midfielder Josh McEachran, external, was given his first taste of action as he replaced Sigurdsson for the final 24 minutes in Sunderland.

Rodgers has also signed defender Darnel Situ and striker Rory Donnolly, both 19, but when asked if there would be more arrivals, he said: "Not really, no.

"We wanted to do our business early in January so it's not a market we're going to be active in. We'll just continue to work hard and work well with the players we've got.

"The group I have is fantastic, with a motivation to do well and they'll see us through to the end of the season."

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