If you said at the start of Euro 2016 that Gylfi Þór Sigurðsson’s Iceland would last longer than the England team, most of us would have baulked at the suggestion. This is indeed the case, however, with Swansea's talented midfielder integral to their success and fulfilling his immense potential on the biggest of stages.
It has not been an easy rise to Europe’s top table for Sigurðsson, who has trawled lower leagues across the continent before finally establishing himself as a Premier League and international star. Now is the time for him to truly come to the fore, with Iceland vs France set to be an incredible Quarter Final on Sunday.
What Path has Sigurðsson taken to the Euros?
Sigurðsson has played for seven clubs in his career, while also completing even more transfers and loan moves. He joined Reading from Breidablik back in 2005 on a free transfer, before representing the Royals' U-18 side and turning out for Shrewsbury Town and Crewe Alexandra on loan. After finally establishing himself at Reading he earned a move to the Bundesliga and a £3.9 million move to TSG Hoffenheim.
After two successful years in Germany, Sigurðsson really came to the attention of British fans when he joined newly-promoted Swansea on loan in January 2012. He excelled during his six months in Wales, impressing numerous top-flight managers and securing a £7.5 million transfer to Tottenham Hotspur the following summer.
Strangely, Sigurðsson struggled to establish himself at Tottenham, after the club signed several new players in the wake of Gareth Bale's departure and failed to gel as a cohesive unit. As a new manager looked to rebuild in the summer, Sigurðsson was offloaded and Swansea finally signed their former fans' favourite on a permanent deal for a fee of £7.5 million. The Icelander is now set to start his third consecutive season in Wales, unless of course another big club comes calling after Euro 2016.
What is Next for Sigurðsson?
A two-footed midfielder who can play right across the attacking line, Sigurðsson possess a rare eye for goal and a powerful strike. He also has outstanding set-piece ability, making him the type of goal-getting midfielder that so many clubs crave.
When allied with a strong work ethic and tactical understanding of the game, Sigurðsson has a package that is extremely appealing in the modern game. Now 26-years-old and set to reach his peak, this talented attacker is sure to capture the attention of more clubs in the coming months.
Andy Clark
Latest posts by Andy Clark (see all)
- Both Teams to Score and Win Tips for a £1200 Win on Tonight’s Games - January 17, 2017
- Banker Both Teams to Score Tips for Tonight’s FA Cup Matches to win £70 - January 17, 2017
- Football Accumulator Tips for the FA Cup Tonight at 7/1 - January 17, 2017
- Crystal Palace vs Bolton Predictions, Betting Tips, Preview - January 16, 2017
Follow us